Satun, Thailand
Introduction:
Satun is a province in the South of Thailand that borders
Malaysia. Situated on the west coast in the vicinity of the
Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean.
Satun is about 973 kilometers from Bangkok. Its total area of
2,478.98 square kilometers also encompasses 105 islands. The
mainland's shoreline extends 144.80 kilometers in length.
Prior to A.D. 1813, Satun was a district of Kedah, known as
Mukim Setul, meaning "the district of santol tree" Historical ,
Satun had a strong link with Kedah until A.D. 1909, under the
Anglo-Siamese Agreement, when the Siamese government then agreed
to relinquish the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Tregganu, and
Perlis to Britain in exchange for the British's renunciation of
its Extra-territorial Rights in Siam (former of Thailand).
The consequence of the Anglo-Siamese Agreement shifted the
status of Satun from being part of Kedah to that of Phuket and
later in 1925 was under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
When democratic reform was be one of the provinces in the South.
Satun consists of six administrative districts (Amphoe) and one
sub district (King amphoe): Amphoe Muang Satun, La-ngu, Thun Wa,
Khuan Kalong, Khuan Don, Tha Phae; and King Amphoe Manang.
The unique bi-cultural characteristics of the people in Satun
reflect social harmony among the people of two faiths: Buddhists
and Muslims. In addition, Satun also hosts the cultures of an
indigenous group called Chao Le (Orak Lawoi, Orang Laut or Sea
Gypsies) or an official label of Thai Mai (recently naturalized
Thai) whose settlements can be found on Lipeh Islands, Tambon Ko
Sarai, Amphoe Muang Satun; and on Bulone Island. These people
observe distinctively different cultures and traditions from
those of the local people.
Boundary:
Satun is the southernmost province of Thailand on the west coast
bordering Malaysia and other Amphoes and province as follows:
|
North |
: |
borders Amphoe
Rattapoom of Songkhla, Amphoe Pa bon of Phattalung and
Amphoe Pa Lian of Trang. |
|
Eastt |
: |
borders Amphoe
Sadao of Songkhla and Perlis of Malaysia. |
|
Southh |
: |
borders Perlis
of Malaysia. |
|
Westt |
: |
borders Andaman
Sea of India Ocean. |
| |
|
Distance from Amphoe Muang Satun to other Amphoes
(districts): |
|
La-ngu
Tha Phae
Khuan Don
Khuan Ka-long
Thung Wa
Manang Subdistrict |
50 kms.
28 kms.
20 kms.
29 kms.
76 kms.
65 kms. |
Attractions:
Tarutao National Park
Thailand's first national marine park established in 1974
consists of some 50 islands to the west of Satun. Major
attractions in the park are as follows:
Ko Tarutao the biggest island in the park where the park
office is situated, used to be a prison for long-term
punishment and political prisoners. The island contains
several bays including Ao Phante Malaka with a hilltop
viewpoint; Ao Mo Lae and Ao Son. The ruined prisons are
found at Ao Talo Udang and Ao Talowao.
Ko Adang and Ko Rawi situated 40 kms. west of Ko
Tarutao are famous for beautiful beaches. There are several
neighbouring islands such as Ko Li Pe where a sea gypsy
village and coral reefs can be seen, Ko Hin Ngam which is
full of shiny black pebbles along its beaches, and Ko Khai a
small island with a natural stone arch.
Fascinating divine areas abound around Laem Chabang,
Ko Khai and Hai Ngam. Boats depart form Pak Bara pier
(60 kms. northwest of Satun) to Ko Tarutao daily during
November to May. Contact the national park office (Tel.
(074) 729002) in advance for accommodation on Ko Tarutao and
Ko Adang.
Mu Ko Phetra National Park
The park is in the areas of two provinces: Satun and Trang.
It consists of a long coastline from Amphoe Langu to Amphoe
Thung Wa and several offshore islands such as Ko Phetra, Ko
Khao Yai, Ko Lalobaentae, and Ko Perama. Boats to these
islands are available from the Pak Bara Pier. Accommodation
is available at the park office (3 kms. before Pak Bara) and
on Ko Lidi. Private run bungalows are available on Ko Bulon.
Thale Ban National Park This is
located in the area of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Khuan Don,
having an outlook as a picturesque lagoon surrounded by high
mountains. Attractions in the park include Namtok Rani, a
small waterfall near the park office: Namtok Yaroi, a medium
size waterfall located 7 kms. from Namtok Yaroi; Tham Lot
Puyu, an aquatic grotto which can be reached by boat from
Tammalang Pier, 9 kms. from town, and the Thai-Malaysian
Border, only 2 kms. from the office of the park.
To get to the national park, drive
along Highway No. 406 from town for 19 kms. and turn right
to Route No. 4184 for another 20 kms. Accommodation is
available.
Namtok Panan This waterfall in the area of Tambon Thung Ka
Long, consists of 10 levels and is surround by a pleasant
forested area.
How to get there:
By bus
The Transportation Company Limited provides daily services both
of non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses, leaving from
the Southern Bus Terminals at the third kilometer on
Pinklao-Nakhonchaisi Road. Further information can be acquired by
calling 435-1199, 435-1200
By Train
Trains run daily from Bangkok to Hatyai. Visitors can take a
taxi, bus, van to Satun
Contact :
Bangkok Railway Station , Tel. (02) 223-7010,
223-7020, 225-0300
Ext. 5100-3.
By plane
Thai Airways
International offers daily flights from Bangkok to Hatyai.
From Hatyai visitors can take a taxi, bus, van to Satun. Flight
reservations can be made at
Tel. (02)280-0060, 628-2000.
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