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| Southern
General Information |
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Introduction
to Chumphon
 Chumphon
is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of Thailand.
It is the gateway to other southern provinces.
Along more than 200 kilometres of Chumphon’s
seashore, there are many beautiful and picturesque
beaches. Still maintaining the natural beauty,
the province is best for those who seek relaxation
in the natural and uniquely quiet atmosphere.
From the documents, Chumphon
was continuously the locations of many communities
since the pre-historic period, especially in the
area near Tha Taphao River banks. Chumphon was
also one of the leading trading centers of Siam
(former name of Thailand).
Due to being the frontier city,
the name “Chumphon” is believed
to derive from “Chumnumphon”,
which means the accumulation of forces. Whenever
there was any movements of the army, the soldiers
would gather their forces here at this province.
The other source believed that
it should be derived from a local plant named
“Maduea Chumphon” due to
its richness in this area. Therefore, naturally,
this plant has become a symbol of the logo of
Chumphon Province.
Introduction
to Ranong
 Ranong
is the first southern province on the western
coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It
is also known for the long rainy period, which
lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies
an area of 3,298 square kilometres and is bordered
by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within
its compact area, Ranong contains various natural
attractions and is blessed with hot springs and
unspoilt mangrove forests.
Introduction
to Songkhla
 Songkhla
is a southern border province, adjacent to the
State of Kedah (Sai Buri), Malaysia. It is an
important port and coastal province of Thailand
since the old days with Amphoe Hat Yai as the
southern centre of commerce, transportation and
rapid economic growth. The province is ideal for
tourism because of its two distinct characteristics:
the old buildings of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, and
the developed Amphoe Hat Yai, separated by only
about 30 kilometres.
The old part of Songkhla is located at the presentday
Amphoe Sathing Phra. Indians, Persians, and Arabs
came to trade and called the place “Singhla”.
The name came from two islands with the shape
of crouching lions at the mouth of Songkhla lagoon.
The islands are presently called Ko Nu and Ko
Maeo.
Songkhla occupies an area of 7,393 square kilometres,
and is administratively divided into 16 districts:
Muang Songkhla, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra,
Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum, Bang Klam,
Hat Yai, Na Mom, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba
Yoi, Sadao, and Khlong Hoi Khong.
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Southern
