Phatthalung is an
ancient city in southern Thailand. It is
a land of mountains. In town is Khao Ok
Thalu, which is clearly visible from afar.
Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace
of the shadow play and the Nora dance. From
ancient times to the present, Phatthalung
has been closely linked to Songkhla Province,
particularly in terms of geography, history
and migratory settlements through many ages.
During the Srivijaya period (13th-14th Buddhist
century), the Phatthalung community received
Indian cultural influence in the way of
Mahayana Buddhism.
In the reign of King Ramathibodi I (U
Thong) of Ayutthaya, Phatthalung became
one of twelve royal cities. Later during
the reign of King Rama I in the Rattanakosin
period, the king had the Ministry of Defense
oversee Phatthalung, upgraded it to secondary
city status and moved it to the mouth
of Pam River.
When there was an administration reform in
the reign of King Rama V, Phatthalung prefecture
came under Nakhon Si Thammarat prefecture until
1924, when King Rama VI relocated the city to
Tambon Khuha Sawan where it has been ever since.
Upon the abolition of the prefecture system
in 1933, Phatthalung became a province outright.
Phatthalung city is situated on the west bank
of Songkhla Lake, about 846 kilometres from
Bangkok. It has an area of 3,424.473 square
kilometres and is divided into 10 districts
and 1 sub-district, as follows: Mueang Phatthalung,
Khuan Khanun, Pak Phayun, Kong Ra, Tamot, Khao
Chaison, Pa Bon, Bang Kaeo, Si Banphot, Pa Phayom,
and the sub-district of Srinagarindra.
Boundary North – Borders Chauat in Nakhon
Si Thammarat and Ranot in Songkhla. South – Borders Rattaphum and Khuan
Niang in Songkhla and Khuan Kalong in Satun. East - Borders Songkhla Lake, Ranot,
Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, and Singhanakhon in
Songkhla. West - Borders Nakhon Si Thammarat (Banthat)
mountain range, Huai Yot, Mueang Trang, Na Yong,
Yan Ta Khao, and Palian in Trang.
Distance from Amphoe Muang to Neighbouring
Districts :
Khuan Khanun 17 kilometres
Khao Chaison 28 kilometres
Pak Phayun 66 kilometres
Kong Ra 40 kilometres
Tamot 39 kilometres
Pa Bon 50 kilometres
Si Banphot 35 kilometres
Bang Kaeo 40 kilometres
Pa Phayom 38 kilometres
Srinagarindra 16 kilometres
Tourist Business and Guide Registration
Office, Southern Office: Area 1 Tel: 0-7423-2230,
0-7422-0376
- Phatthalung College of Dramatic Arts Tel:
0-7461-1960, 0-7462- 6892
- Phatthalung Arts and Culture Centre Tel: 0-7461-1633,
0-7461- 3023
- Phatthalung Provincial Hospital Tel: 0-7461-3008
- Piyarak Hospital Tel: 0-7462-7148
- Train station Tel: 0-7461-3106
- Archaeology Office Tel: 0-7435-6458
- Thale Noi Non-hunting Area Tel: 0-7461-5722
- Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park Tel: 0-7461-9654
- Coconut shell handicraft village (Mr. Plum
Chukhong) Tel: 0-1465- 5751
- Shadow play handicraft village (Mr. Im Chanchum)
Tel: 0-7469- 7160 (home)
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern Office:
Area 2
Address : Sanam Na Muang, Ratchadamnoen Road,
Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000
Tel: 0-7534-6515-6, fax: 0-7534-6517
E-mail: tatnakon@nrt.cscoms.com
Area of responsibility: Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Trang and Phatthalung