The purpose of the familiarisation trip is to show that Southern Thailand now is open for business and safe for travellers from around the world, particularly from neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei to explore.
Interestingly, the southern part of Thailand is commonly associated with its Muslim population, although Muslims constitute a minority in the country. The Muslim community ranks as the second-largest religious group in the region after Buddhism, which are mainly concentrated in the southernmost parts of the region.
The government of Thailand is increasingly embracing the presence of multicultural ethnicities and religions, particularly when it comes to developing tourism in the area. From Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat to Songkhla, various Islamic-themed tourist attractions can be found, especially Pattani, referred to by locals as ‘Serambi Makkah’ (‘Porch of Mecca’).
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Thailand’s current population stands at around 77 million, with an estimated five percent being Muslim. Approximately 3.8 million Muslims reside in the country, with two to 2.5 percent located in Southern Thailand. While Muslims are dispersed across various provinces, the highest concentration is in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.
As of October 31, 2023, the number of tourists to Southern Thailand has reached around three million. Typically, these tourists arrive through the Malaysian border, then extend their travels into southern Thailand.
Formerly known for conflicts, Southern Thailand has undergone positive transformations. Capt. Jakapong Apimahathan, Director of Development Promotion and Support at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), stated that the government is committed to developing the tourism industry in the region due to the increasing number of tourists.
He assures that security and facilities have been or currently being improved for tourists, testifying to the safety of travelling around this region that is replete with halal-certified products and well-preserved old mosques. Thailand, along with neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, have been collaborating to facilitate travel in Southern Thailand and promote Muslim-friendly tourism. Halal restaurants like Hantana in Betong, Laila in Yala, and Bakkahland Farm and Resort in Pattani are more than able to cater to large groups of tourists, especially foodies and Thai cuisine enthusiasts.
On top of that, the Thai government guarantees the safety and security of all tourists in the region. Lt. Gen. Santhi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 4th Army Area, asserts that the existing rules enforced in Southern Thailand, including the ongoing dialogues the government holds with the local communities, has now made the region safer, more conducive, and appealing.
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Southern Thailand is starting to actively contribute to the country’s development through tourism and economy. Conflicts that transpired 20 years ago were now a thing of the past. Lt. Gen. Santhi reassures that the Thai government considers tourists’ safety and security as imperative, and incidents of violence have now steadily decreased.
To enter Southern Thailand, tourists can start from the Malaysian border or via Hat Yai Airport. If you were coming from Malaysia, you can explore the hilly Betong area that is part of Yala province, known for natural attractions like hot springs, historical sites like the Piyamit Tunnel, and scenic spots like Winter Flower Garden Betong.
At the same time, you should not miss admiring the sea of mist and the majesty of the undulating highland landscape as you traverse the Aiyerweng Skywalk, which is around 50 minutes’ drive from Betong town. Driving for another hour and 45 minutes’ will get you to Yala City, noted as Thailand’s cleanest city, aside from being one of the most well-planned cities in the country.
As you go northwards, you will find that Pattani offers fresh seafood galore, including the famous organic ‘sweet’ salt, which adds flavour in a healthy way to your cooking. A stop at Pattani’s oldest mosque, Masjid Kresik (Krue Se Mosque) is warranted due to its connection to the establishment of the Pattani Malay Kingdom in early 16th century, which shaped local culture and psyche until today.
You should then proceed to the Al-Quran Museum in Narathiwat to admire the ancient Quranic and Malay manuscripts containing wisdom that has been preserved throughout the ages, some over 1,000 years old. Another site worthy of visiting is the 300-year-old Masjid Al Hussein, also known as Telok Mano mosque, constructed without using any single nail. This house of worship is still used by the local community and opened to outsiders.
In Songkhla province, tourists can explore Buddhist religious sites, visit Samila Beach, hunt for delicacies and souvenirs at Khlong Hae Floating Market, and be immersed in the pulsating nightlife of Hat Yai, Southern Thailand’s largest city.
The trip joined by Gaya Travel Magazine team – together with members of other media and travel agents – to Southern Thailand received a positive reception from local officials, which gave a good impression to the delegates regarding the region’s tourism readiness. While popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket generally dominate tourism in Thailand, the southern region’s cultural and religious diversity is increasingly becoming more attractive as there are hidden gems that are not yet mainstream and are waiting to be discovered.
For travellers intending to visit Southern Thailand from Malaysia or Indonesia, contact Smile Vision Holidays Sdn. Bhd. (https://smilevision2u.com/) at +6 03 9226 8480 or +6 016 338 8690. Alternatively, contact TN Travel and Tours Co., Ltd. at +66 80 863 5552 or +66 89 732 1987.
Filed in: narathiwat / pattani / Southern Thailand / thailand / yala
