Yala is the southernmost
province of Thailand, with an area of 4,521
square kilometres. It is the only landlocked
province in the south. Today Yala is the
border province with many interesting facets:
history, culture, and beautiful scenery.
The province has a unique mixture of cultural
heritage of several groups--Thai, Chinese,
and Islam. The city centre has systematic
town planning and is one of the educational
centres of the south as well.
The word “Yala” was derived
from the local word “yalo” meaning
“fish net”. Yala used to be part
of Pattani, a colony of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
In B.E. 2310 when Ayutthaya fell to the Burman,
southern colonies became independent. During
the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin
Dynasty, the King sent his brother, Khrom Phra
Ratchawangbowon Maha Surasihanat to take Pattani.
In B.E. 2351, the King had Pattani separated
into 7 smaller colonies, namely Mueang Pattani,
MueangSai Buri, MueangNong Chik, MueangYaring,
MueangRa Ngae, MueangRaman, and MueangYala.
Yala had changed its rulers many times before
Monthon was abolished in B.E. 2476 and finally
became one of the provinces (Changwat) of Thailand.
