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76-524: In contrast to most other provinces, the capital Songkhla is not the largest city in the province. The much newer city of Hat Yai , with a population of 359,813, is considerably larger, with twice the population of Songkhla (163,072). This often leads to the misconception that Hat Yai is the provincial capital. The province is on the Malay Peninsula , on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand . The highest elevation

152-765: A conch shell on a Phan (tray) with glass decorations. The origin of the conch shell is unclear, but the most widely adopted interpretation is that it was a decoration on the jacket of the Prince of Songkhla. The provincial tree is the Sa-dao-thiam ( Azadirachta excelsa ). The brackish fish green scat ( Scatophagus argus ) is the provincial aquatic life. Songkhla is divided into 16 districts ( amphoe ), which are further subdivided into 127 subdistricts ( tambon ) and 987 villages ( muban ). The districts of Chana (Malay: Chenok ), Thepha (Malay: Tiba ) were detached from Mueang Pattani and transferred to Songkhla during

228-851: A border with Malaysia or Pattani province (Malay majority). Internal security restrictions, maintained by Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) can result in curfews, prohibited entry, or prohibited transport of goods. It is considered one step below the imposition of full martial law . Songkhla football club participates in Thai League 3 Southern Region, the 3rd tier of Thai football league system. The Samila Mermaid (Thai: เงือกสมิหลา) plays their home matches at Tinsulanon Stadium . 7°12′19″N 100°35′49″E  /  7.20528°N 100.59694°E  / 7.20528; 100.59694 Songkhla Songkhla ( Thai : สงขลา , pronounced [sǒŋ.kʰlǎː] ), also known as Singgora or Singora ( Pattani Malay : ซิงกอรอ, Singoro),

304-567: A center of international maritime trade, in particular with Quanzhou in China. The long Sanskrit name of the state that existed there has been lost; its short Sanskrit name was Singhapura ("Lion City") (not to be confused with Singapura ), a city state. The short vernacular name was Satingpra, coming from the Mon-Khmer sting / steng / stang (meaning "river") and the Sanskrit pura ("city"). The ruins of

380-529: A commercial mission to Ayutthaya headed by Monsignor Pallu in 1682. Most controversially, King Narai allowed the rise of Constantine Phaulkon , a Greek adventurer who first arrived in Ayutthaya in 1675, formerly worked for the English East India Company . Phaulkon was introduced into the court by minister of foreign affairs and trade Kosa Lek in 1681 as a quick-witted interpreter and quickly gained

456-659: A powerful nobleman. On the Day of Ashura , the Persians, Japanese and Dutch stormed the palace. The prince engaged in single combat with his uncle, until the king fled to the Rear Palace. Si Suthammaracha was captured and was executed at Wat Khok Phraya on 26 October 1656. Domestic policies in King Narai's reign were greatly affected by the interference of foreign powers most notably the Chinese to

532-404: A preferred fishing ground. According to a local folk tale, a cat, mouse and dog were traveling on a Chinese ship, when they attempted to steal a crystal from a merchant. While trying to swim ashore, both the cat and the mouse drowned and became the two islands; the dog reached the beach, then died and become the hill Khao Tang Kuan . The crystal turned into the white sandy beach. The name Songkhla

608-410: Is 866 km (334 sq mi) or 11.2 percent of provincial area. Chinese Communist guerrillas inhabited this region until the 1980s. Within the boundaries of the city of Songkhla is Cape Samila Beach, the most popular beach in the province. The famous mermaid statue can be found here. The two islands Ko Nu and Ko Maew (Mouse and Cat Islands), not far from the beach, are also popular landmarks, and

684-531: Is Khao Mai Kaeo at 821 meters. In the north of the province is Songkhla Lake , the largest natural lake in Thailand. This shallow lake covers an area of 1,040 km, and has a south–north extent of 78 kilometers. At its mouth on the Gulf of Thailand, near the city of Songkhla, the water becomes brackish. A small population of Irrawaddy dolphins live in the lake, but are in danger of extinction due to accidental capture by

760-546: Is a city ( thesaban nakhon ) in Songkhla Province of southern Thailand , near the border with Malaysia . Songkhla lies 968 km (601 mi) south of Bangkok and as of 2020 had a population of 61,758. Despite being smaller than the neighboring city Hat Yai , Songkhla is the capital of Songkhla Province as well as the Mueang Songkhla District (Songkhla town district). Together with Hat Yai, Songkhla

836-599: Is actually the Thai corruption of Singgora ( Jawi : سيڠڬورا); its original name means "the city of lions" in Malay (not to be confused with Singapura ). This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla. Songkhla was the seat of an old Malay Kingdom with heavy Srivijayan influence. In ancient times (200–1400 CE), Songkhla formed the northern extremity of the Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka . The city-state then succeeded as

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912-575: Is part of the Greater Hat Yai-Songkhla Metropolitan Area (a conurbation with a population of around 800,000), the third largest metropolitan area in Thailand. At the opening of Songkhla Lake to the Gulf of Thailand , Songkhla is a fishing town and also an important harbour . It is the major seaport on the east side of the Isthmus of Kra . The name Songkhla means 'the city of lions' (not to be confused with Singapura ) and

988-551: Is served by a larger number of public hospitals than private hospitals. The main hospitals for Songkhla province are Hatyai Hospital and Songkhla Hospital , both operated by the Ministry of Public Health. Songklanagarind Hospital is also another major hospital located in Hat Yai, but is operated by the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University , which is the largest medical school in

1064-404: Is the Thai variant of "Singgora" ( Malay and Jawi : سيڠڬورا). This refers to a lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla. Archaeological excavations on the isthmus between Lake Songkhla and the sea reveal that in the 10th through the 14th century, this was a major urbanized area, and a center of international maritime trade, in particular with Quanzhou in China. The long Sanskrit name of

1140-854: The Imperial Japanese army landed in Songkhla, invading Thailand . Because of the International Date Line , this actually occurred hours before the 7 December (Hawaii time) attack on Pearl Harbor , making it the first major action of the Pacific War . The Japanese forces then moved south towards Perlis and Penang as part of the Malayan campaign which culminated in the capture of Singapore . Since 2003, Songhkla has been affected by separatist insurgencies in neighboring Narathiwat , Pattani , and Yala . The municipality's mayor, Peera Tantiserane,

1216-463: The Sultanate of Singgora , it later became a tributary of Nakhon Si Thammarat , suffering damage during several attempts to gain independence. In Arabic-Persian merchant’s record from 1450-1550, Songkhla was firstly known as Singor or Singora. Archaeological excavations on the isthmus between Lake Songkhla and the sea reveal that in the 10th through the 14th century this was a major urbanized area, and

1292-585: The Thesaphiban reforms around 1900. As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation ( ongkan borihan suan changwat ) and 48 municipal ( thesaban ) areas in the province. Songkhla and Hat Yai have city ( thesaban nakhon ) status. Further 11 have town ( thesaban mueang ) status and there are 35 subdistrict municipalities ( thesaban tambon ). The non-municipal areas are administered by 92 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO ( ongkan borihan suan tambon ). Songkhla

1368-472: The 18th century, Songkla has been firmly under Thai suzerainty . In 1909, Songkhla was formally annexed by Siam as part of Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 , negotiated with the British Empire , in which Siam gave up its claim to Kelantan in return for Britain recognizing Siam's right to the provinces north of that. In the 18th century many Chinese immigrants, especially from Guangdong and Fujian , came to

1444-619: The French guards and advisors, against the Thai mandarins. Even his ascension to the throne was orchestrated by Persian mercenaries. The French eventually enjoyed special favors from religious affairs to the military activities. One of the critical turning points was concerned with the construction of the French forts and military barracks in Bangkok , near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River . In dealing with

1520-455: The French mission in 1685 to return the Siamese ambassadors and to convert Narai to Catholicism . The mission contained a large number of Jesuit priests and scientists. Colbert sent his letter to Phaulkon to instruct him to persuade the Siamese king to concede to French requests with the promises of granting him the rank of count. Though he did not convert to Christianity, Narai agreed to allow

1596-555: The French troops led by General Desfarges at the start of the Siege of Bangkok . On the death of King Narai on 10/11 July, Phetracha proclaimed himself king. After withholding the siege for four months and later a negotiated settlement, the French soldiers were allowed to return to France. Only the Dutch were allowed to trade in the capital before the French and English finally ended their dispute with Siam. Although King Narai's reign witnessed

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1672-609: The French troops to be stationed in Siamese ports. Chevalier de Forbin was made commander of the Bangkok fort and trained Siamese armies in Western warfare. Several Siamese forts including Mergui, Ligor , Singora ( Songkhla ), Lavo , and Ayutthaya itself were reconstructed in European style. Another Siamese mission to France was led by Phra Visutsundhorn ( Kosa Pan , younger brother of Kosa Lek) and Guy Tachard in 1686 with enthusiastic European reception. A fragmentary Siamese account of

1748-515: The Great ( Thai : สมเด็จพระนารายณ์มหาราช , RTGS :  Somdet Phra Narai Maharat , pronounced [sǒm.dèt pʰráʔ nāː.rāːj mā.hǎː.râːt] listen ) or Ramathibodi III ( Thai : รามาธิบดีที่ ๓ listen ) was the 27th monarch of Ayutthaya Kingdom , the 4th and last monarch of the Prasat Thong dynasty . He was the king of Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1656 to 1688 and arguably

1824-578: The Persian account of Muhammad Rabi' ibn Muhammad Ibrahim. Domestically, the relative stability during his reign also gave rise to the revival of Siamese literature during his reign. Further afield, one of the main streets of the city of Brest as well as another in Marseilles have been named " Rue de Siam " to commemorate Narai's missions, whilst an ancient street in Lopburi Province , where Narai dwelt at

1900-760: The Royal Furniture Repository in Paris since they were classed as gifts rather than weapons. After failing to find usable weapons at the Arsenal, rioting Parisians broke into the Repository and discovered some 20 cannons. However, the Siamese cannons were the only ones that still functioned, and so they were hauled to the Bastille . The date was 14 July 1789 . In King Narai's reign, Thai literature flourished, especially royal panegyrics. The " Eulogy of King Prasat Thong " about

1976-488: The Siamese retreated. Narai also handed over control of Mergui to French officer Chevalier de Beauregard and his small French garrison. At the same time, he also granted a concession of the strategic port of Bangkok to Beauregard, with the view of countering Dutch influence. King Narai also built a new palace at present-day Lopburi ("Louvo" in the French accounts) utilising the expertise of Jesuit architects and engineers. European influences are clearly evident in

2052-672: The South of Thailand. Songkhla province is an energy hub. It earns 100 billion baht each year from a gas separation plant, power generation, and oil. The gas separation plant sells 35 billion baht worth of gas per year to EGAT . Power generation accounts for 45 billion baht. Offshore oil rigs in the vicinity of Ko Nu produce 20,000 barrels of oil per day worth 30 billion baht per year. If a proposed coal-fired electrical generation plan in Thepha District goes ahead, energy earnings could rise to 300 billion baht per year. Phet Kasem Road , running all

2128-465: The activities, the French mostly depended on Constantine Phaulkon , the king's favorite. The threat of the French military presence reportedly was felt among the court nobles. All in all, factionalism , favoritism and nepotism became widespread. The native mandarins somehow managed to retain their powers, most notably Kosa Lek. Petracha , Commander of the Royal Regiment of Elephants, emerged as

2204-673: The architectural style, especially the use of wide windows. The move to Lopburi was arguably prompted by the Dutch naval blockade of Ayutthaya in 1664 to enforce a fur monopoly. Although Catholic missions had been present in Ayutthaya as early as 1567 under Portuguese Dominicans, King Narai's reign saw the first concerted attempt to convert the monarch to Catholicism under the auspices of French Jesuits who were given permission to settle in Ayutthaya in 1662. The conversion attempt ultimately failed and arguably backfired but Catholics were to remain in Siam up to

2280-432: The city wall fortress. During the construction of the wall, Tuanku Ahmadsa-adtogether with the rulers from Syburi, Pattani and 7 other provinces, attacked Songkhla. After their conquering all the rebellion, the fortress and the city wall were carried on. Also, the city pillar was set up and the town of Songkhla was moved to the east of Laem Son called Bo Yang District, which is now in the area of Songkhla Municipality. Since

2356-475: The eight key areas of human development. National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017. The most important Buddhist temple of the province is Wat Matchimawat (also named Wat Klang), on Saiburi road in the city of Songkhla itself. On the island Ko Yo within Songkhla lake, since being easily accessible via the Tinsulanond Bridge, the residents have started to sell

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2432-478: The focus of xenophobic sentiments at court, with the future King Phetracha at their head. Narai responded the French by the dispatch of Siamese mission to France in January 1684 led by Khun Pijaivanit and Khun Pijitmaitri accompanied by missionary Benigne Vachet. They reached Calais by November and eventually had the French royal audience. Louis XIV sent de Chaumont as chief ambassador, and de Choisy to lead

2508-524: The greatest extent of foreign influence at the Siamese court, his diplomatic achievements were to be reversed by his successor. It is debatable whether the new introspective attitude of his successors contributed to the weakening and eventual fall of Ayutthaya. On the other hand, the curtailing of foreign influences in the court may have prevented the colonisation of Ayutthaya. Nevertheless, his reign's diplomatic achievements contributed to him being posthumously styled "the Great," one of seven recognised as such in

2584-602: The hand-woven fabric named Phathor Ko Yo . Also famous for the island is the local jackfruit variant named Jampada . Held in the first night of October, the Chak Phra tradition is a Buddhist festival specific to the south of Thailand. It is celebrated with Buddha boat processions or sports events like a run up Khao Tang Kuan hill. In September or October at the Chinese Lunar festival the Thai-Chinese present their offerings to

2660-581: The history of Thailand. At the same time, the records of those involved in the diplomatic missions, particularly those from the west, have allowed historians to obtain a rare glimpse into the world of the Ayutthayan court as most original Ayutthaya records were destroyed with the city in 1767. These include the French accounts of the Chevalier de Chaumont, the Abbé de Choisy, Fr. Tachard, Claude de Forbin, de la Loubere and

2736-586: The house. The princess hid in a book chest and it was smuggled into the Front Palace, where she reunited with her brother. Enraged at his uncle's behavior, Narai decided to take action. He drew his support from the Persian and Japanese mercenaries that had been persecuted during his father's reign. He was also supported by the Dutch East India Company , as well as his brothers and the Okya Sukhothai,

2812-404: The important port city of Satingpra are just few kilometres north of Songkhla city. During 1619-1680, Songkhla Town beside Red Hill was very prosperous in trading with other countries by Malay governors migrating from Indonesia . They escaped from Dutch’s monopoly tradefor free trade in Songkhla which was supported by England . At the first period, during 1619-1642 the governor of Songkhla

2888-574: The island Ko Yo, and the northern part of 1,800 m to Ban Khao Khiao. Kanchanawanit Road, which runs from Songkhla town, though Hat Yai, and all the way to the Malaysian border at Sadao District, is considered the unofficial dividing line separating the Thai south from its deep south, Muslim-majority region. The southern railway operated by the State Railway of Thailand runs through the province, and continues on into Malaysia, with Hat Yai Junction being

2964-535: The king was about to convert to Catholicism. Although King Narai did display a degree of interest in Catholicism, he also displayed an equal interest in Islam and there is no concrete evidence that he wished to convert to either. However, both Catholic and Islamic missions were to come to the conclusion that Phaulkon was responsible for their failures. Siamese courtiers also resented Phaulkon's influence and he quickly became

3040-405: The leading "nationalist". Petracha had familial connections to Narai, with his mother being the king's wet nurse and his sister being the king's concubine. Narai was said to fear fathering a son. He therefore ordered abortions to be carried out on any of his impregnated consorts. However he adopted the son of a minor mandarin with the name of Phra Pi and named him his successor. The young prince

3116-462: The main railway station. It is a junction for the railway link to Malaysia through Padang Besar Town , where there are two stations: Padang Besar (Thai) on the Thai side and Padang Besar on the Malay side. Immigration is done on the Malay side. The other route from Hat Yai Junction goes further south to Pattani (Khok Pho) , Yala , Tanyong Mat and Su-ngai Kolok . In the past, a railway line connected

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3192-449: The mandarins. In 1687 the new French mission left Brest for Ayutthaya. The mission included Kosa Pan returning home, Guy Tachard again, Simon de La Loubère , Claude Céberet du Boullay , and General Desfarges . A French army regiment was sent with this mission to be stationed in Siamese forts with Desfarges as the military commander. Narai agreed to station French troops at Mergui and Bangkok, both with Western-style forts. Desfarges

3268-612: The mission compiled by Kosa Pan was re-discovered in Paris in the 1980s. In 1686, a revolt broke out in Ayutthaya , caused by the Makassars whom were seeking asylum in Siam after being expelled by the Dutch Empire . Constantine Phaulkon and Forbin mobilized the defence of the Kingdom, with the forces of Ayutthaya made up from a coalition of French, English and Siamese troops. The Makassars were subsequently defeated and Narai had many burnt at

3344-476: The moon or Queen of the heavens in gratitude for past and future fortunes. Songkhla was not initially affected by the outbreak of Pattani Separatism , which began in 2004. However, bombs planted in 2005 and 2007 stoked fears the insurgency might spread to Songkhla province. As of 2018, the provisions of Thailand's Internal Security Act remain imposed on the districts of Chana, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, and Thepha for reasons of national security. All but Chana share

3420-410: The most celebrated of these missions were those to Europe, in particular France. In 1673, a French ecclesiastical mission arrived at the Siamese court with letters from Pope Clement IX and King Louis XIV of France. King Narai reciprocated by sending a mission to France in 1680 led by Phya Pipatkosa . Although the mission was lost at sea near Madagascar, the French would respond positively by sending

3496-554: The most famous king of the Prasat Thong dynasty . His reign was the most prosperous during the Ayutthaya period and saw the great commercial and diplomatic activities with foreign nations including the Middle East and the West. During the later years of his reign, Narai gave his favorite – the Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon – so much power that Phaulkon technically became the chancellor of

3572-531: The nets of the local fishing industry. Songkhla province hosts three national parks. San Kala Khiri covers 143 km (55 sq mi) of mountain highlands on the Thai-Malay border. Khao Nam Khang with an area of 212 km (82 sq mi) is also in the boundary mountains. Namtok Sai Khao on the Pattani-Songkhla border occupies an area of 70 km (27 sq mi). The total forest area

3648-575: The north, the Dutch to the South, and the English who were making their first forays into India to the west. Policies revolved around either directly countering the influence, or creating a delicate balance of power between the different parties. In 1660, the Chinese invaded the Burmese capital at Ava to capture Zhu Youlang , the last Southern Ming emperor. Sensing a possible weakening of Burmese influence in

3724-683: The northern vassal states, King Narai began the Burmese–Siamese War of 1662–64 to bring Chiang Mai under the direct control of Ayutthaya. Although the expedition was successful in taking control of Lampang and other smaller cities, a second expedition had to be conducted to bring Chiang Mai under control in 1662. After stopping a Burmese army incursion in 1663 at Sai Yok , Narai led an army of 60,000 in an invasion of Burma, capturing Martaban , Syriam , Rangoon , Hongsawadi , and then in 1664 laid siege to Pagan . After "causing many casualties in dead and wounded and capturing many prisoners of war",

3800-527: The palace dungeon and brutally tortured. After questioning Phra Pi, he discovered Phra Pi had conspired with Phaulkon to assume the throne, and Phra Pi was executed on 20 May. Further questioning of Phaulkon revealed a plot to raise a rebellion, and he too was executed by Phetracha's adopted son Luang Sorasak on 5 June. Narai, on his deathbed, was unable to do anything, except curse Phetracha and his son. Luang Sorasak then had Prince Aphaithot and Prince Noi executed. Phetracha soon ordered his troops to attack

3876-523: The population are Muslim , most of them belong to a Thai-speaking Muslim group, called Sam-Sam ( 'mixed' ). People claiming to be of Malay ethnicity make up a minority among the Muslim populace. The Songkhla Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of Kelantan , Malaysia . They speak the language Songkhla Malay which is a derivative of Kelantan-Pattani Malay . The provincial seal shows

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3952-481: The present day. The most remarkable aspect of King Narai's reign were the diplomatic missions that he sent and received during his reign. Missions were sent as far afield as France, England, and the Vatican, although at least two missions were lost at sea. Ties with states closer to Ayutthaya were not neglected as missions were also sent to Persia, Golconda (India), China, as well as other neighbouring states. Undoubtedly,

4028-429: The present-day town of Songkhla was The Sultanate of Singora , a heavily fortified port city. It was founded in the early 17th century by a Persian, Dato Mogol, and flourished during the reign of his son, Sultan Sulaiman Shah. In 1680, after decades of conflict, the city was destroyed and abandoned; remains include forts, city walls, a Dutch cemetery and the tomb of Sultan Sulaiman Shah. On 8 December 1941 local time,

4104-443: The princess consort gave birth to a son. When the royal family glanced at the infant, they saw the baby had four arms before having two arms as normal. Upon learning this, the king thought it was a miracle. He therefore named his son Narai." The name Narai is from Sanskrit Narayana , a name of Hindu god Vishnu who has four arms. Upon Prasat Thong's death in 1656, Prince Chai succeeded his father as King Sanpet VI. However, it

4180-406: The princess took on a partner of her choice from one of the two Siamese councillors. When Narai was seriously ill with no hopes of recovery, on 18 May 1688 Phetracha had a successful coup and arrested Narai himself, Phra Pi, and his half-brothers Prince Aphaithot and Prince Noi. Phaulkon was summoned to the palace, there he and his French officers were surrounded and disarmed. Phaulkon was thrown to

4256-491: The province. Quickly rising to economic wealth, one of them won the bidding for the major tax farm of the province in 1769, establishing the Na Songkhla ( from Songkhla ) family as the most wealthy and influential. In 1777 the family also gained political power, when the old governor was dismissed and Luang Inthakhiri (Yiang, Chinese name Wu Rang (呉譲)) became the new governor. In 1786 the old governor started an uprising, which

4332-411: The royal favor. In 1682 he served as the interpreter during the royal audience with François Pallu , who arrived with letters from Louis XIV. Within a few years, Phaulkon had managed to ingratiate himself with the king and became Narai's closest counselor. Phaulkon suggested a plan for the reconstruction of the fort of Mergui in polygonal European style, which was strongly opposed by Kosa Lek. Kosa Lek

4408-576: The rural areas near the Malaysian border. These Muslims speak the Yawi language , a language closely related to Malay , which has some Thai influence, especially in loan words borrowed from the Thai language . Songkhla city takes up the entire Bo Yang sub-district. As of 2020 Songkhla city had a population of 61,758. 7°12′22″N 100°35′48″E  /  7.20611°N 100.59667°E  / 7.20611; 100.59667 King Narai King Narai

4484-652: The seventeenth century that otherwise would not have survived the complete destruction of the capital in 1767. Prince Narai was born on 16 February 1632 to King Prasat Thong and his consort, Princess Sirithida ( Thai : ศิริธิดา ), who was a daughter of Songtham . Prasat Thong had just usurped the throne from the ruling Ayutthaya dynasty in 1629 and founded a dynasty of his own. Narai had an siblings younger sister Princess Si Suphan (or Princess Ratcha Kanlayani ), elder half-brother Prince Chai, and an uncle Prince Si Suthammaracha. The Royal Chronicle of Ayutthaya: Royal Recension Version recorded that "In that year [1633],

4560-455: The stake. Samuel White , the English governor of Mergui fort, appointed by Narai and a close associate of Phaulkon, entered into conflict with the English fleets from India in 1687, leading to the English blockade of Mergui . The Siamese native mandarins massacred the local Englishmen out of frustration. With English fleets threatening his kingdom, Narai decided to placate the English and executed

4636-400: The state that existed there has been lost; its short Sanskrit name was Singhapura ('Lion City') (not to be confused with Singapura ), a city state. The short vernacular name was Satingpra , coming from the Mon-Khmer sting / steng / stang (meaning 'river') and the Sanskrit pura ('city'). The ruins of the ancient port city of Satingpra are just few kilometers north of Songkhla. It

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4712-399: The state. Through the arrangements of Phaulkon, the Siamese kingdom came into close diplomatic relations with the court of Louis XIV and French soldiers and missionaries filled the Siamese aristocracy and defense. The dominance of French officials led to frictions between them and the native mandarins and led to the turbulent revolution of 1688 towards the end of his reign. Narai's reign

4788-431: The time he received the Chevalier de Chaumont, has been named " Rue de France " by the Thai government in 1985 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the relations between the two countries. In addition, among the gifts that were exchanged between the Siamese and the French courts, two items from Siam were to have an unexpected impact on French history. The items were a pair of silver cannons that were eventually stored in

4864-521: The town of Songkhla with Hat Yai, but it was closed in 1978 and is now partly dismantled and partly overgrown. Songkhla is served by Hat Yai International Airport in Khlong Hoi Khong District . Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at sub-national level using the Human achievement index (HAI), a composite index covering all

4940-520: The way from Bangkok, ends at the border crossing to Malaysia in Sadao. Asian highway 2 and 18 also run through the province. Of note is the Tinsulanond Bridge, which crosses Songkhla Lake to connect the narrow land east of the lake at the coast with the main southern part of the province. With a length of 2.6 km it is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand. Built in 1986, the bridge consists of two parts. The southern 1,140 m connects Mueang district with

5016-479: Was Muslim . Later, In 1642-1680 the governor of Songkhla rebelled to Ayutthaya so the town was suppressed by King Narai and left carelessly. Then, Phatthalung took control of it. From 1699 to 1776, Songkhla reformed at the new location in Laemson called Songkhla Town at Laemson Side which is opposite to the current location of Songkhla town. In 1836, King Rama III instructed Phraya Vichiankiri (Tianseng) to build

5092-530: Was a Thai tradition to give brothers a higher priority over sons in succession. Prince Sudharmmaraja plotted with his nephew, Prince Narai, to bring Sanpet VI down. After nine months of ascension, Sanpet VI was executed following a coup. Narai and his uncle marched into the palace, and Si Suthammaracha crowned himself king. Si Suthammaracha appointed Narai as the Uparaja , or Viceroy of the Front Palace . However, Narai

5168-413: Was also an ambitious prince and had requested Dutch support against his uncle. Si Suthammaracha's rule was weak and he fell under the control of Chao Phraya Chakri, an ambitious mandarin who also wanted the throne. In 1656, Narai and his uncle finally alienated each other. Si Suthammaracha lusted after Narai's sister, Princess Ratcha Kanlayani. He ordered his soldiers to surround her residence and entered

5244-413: Was also known for the 1662–1664 invasion of Burma , the destruction of the briefly independent port city of the Sultanate of Singgora (1605–1680), and the conflict he had with the English East India Company . The presence of numerous foreigners from the French Jesuits to the Persian delegates has left historians with rich sources of material on the city of Ayutthaya and its conflicts and courtly life in

5320-430: Was dissolved and changed to provincial administration, Songkhla then becomes one of the provinces in the south of Thailand. Songkhla was the scene of heavy fighting when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941 and parts of the city were destroyed. Buddhists make up two-thirds to three-fourths of the population, most of whom are of native Thai or Thai Chinese descent. One-fourth to one-third of

5396-445: Was embraced by the French, who managed to convert him to Catholicism. Matters were brought to a head when King Narai fell gravely ill in March 1688 while staying in his Lopburi palaces. Aware of the coming succession dispute, in May 1688, Narai called together his closest councillors: Phaulkon, Phra Phetracha, and Phra Pi, and nominated his daughter, Kromluang Yothathep, to succeed him. The three councillors were to act as regents until

5472-491: Was later accused of receiving bribes from peasants who did not want to be drafted into the Mergui construction. He was flogged to death under royal orders. The second half of Narai's reign was a period of growing French influence as facilitated by Phaulkon. Under Phaulkon's guidance, King Narai balanced the influence of the Dutch by favouring the French. Phaulkon also encouraged French interest by initially leading them to believe that

5548-484: Was murdered in Songkhla in 2014. Songkhla has a tropical monsoon climate ( Köppen climate classification Am ). Temperatures are very warm to hot throughout the year with only minor variation. There is a short dry season in February and March; the rest of the year is wet, with especially heavy rainfall from October to December. The majority of the population is Buddhist with a large proportion of Muslims, especially in

5624-609: Was one of the most important trading centers of the Tambralinga Kingdom. Archaeological digs and investigations conducted toward the end of the 20th century testify the existence of a fortified citadel protected by a moat and a quadrangular surrounding wall made of brick. A sophisticated system of canals connected the sea to the Songkhla Lake permitting the circulations of ships. The excavations brought to light artifacts of great historical and artistic value. The precursor of

5700-477: Was put down after four months. The position was thereafter inherited in the family and was held by eight of his descendants until 1901, when Phraya Wichiankhiri (Chom) was honorably retired as part of the administrative reforms of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab . The family's former home was converted into the Songkhla National Museum in 1953. In 1932, Monthon Thesaphiban or the administrative subdivisions

5776-477: Was stationed at Bangkok. (The fort is now called the Vijaiprasit Fort Thai : ป้อมวิไชยประสิทธิ์ later the royal fort of King Taksin ). The last Siamese embassy was led by Ok-khun Chamnan in 1688 visiting Rome and Pope Innocent XI . Narai spent his whole reign reducing the power of native mandarins that had caused much bloodshed during his predecessors’ time. He firstly supported Persian, and later,

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