History

Until 1813 Satun was a district of the Malay state of Kedah, then known as Mukim Setul (Jawi: مقيم ستول)in Malay. After that date it was administered by a governor sent from Nakhon Si Thammarat. In 1897 Satun became part of Monthon Saiburi (now Kedah), which in 1909 was divided between British Empire and Siam as part of Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. While most of Kedah was ceded to Britain, Satun was awarded to Siam because it had a relatively large Thai population. Satun was then incorporated into Monthon Phuket. The monthon system was ended in 1933, and Satun province became a first-level subdivision of Thailand.

Demographics

Satun is one of the four provinces of Thailand which have a Muslim majority: 67.8% are Muslim and 31.9% are Buddhists. Most of the Muslims have some ethnic-Malay ancestry, though only 9.9% of the population claims to be ethnically Malay. The Malay dialect used in Satun is distinctly different from Pattani Malay and is much closer to the Kedah dialect of Malay, with a significant admixture of Thai influences.^[1]

Since Satun had belonged to the Kedah Sultanate, which had a strong relationship with both Ayutthaya and Siam under the Chakri dynasty, its Malay Muslims commonly intermarry with Thai Buddhists without serious religious hesitation. This custom has created a distinct social group known as Samsam, meaning a mixed person. Most Samsams, if not all, are Muslims.^[2]

Unlike the other Muslim majority provinces in Thailand, Satun does not have a history of political confrontation with the central power in Bangkok or of tension with the Buddhist population which makes up the majority of Thailand as a country.^[3] Malay Muslims in Satun are substantially assimilated and rarely sympathise with separatism from Thailand, in contrast to the Malay Muslims in Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala.

 Symbols

The provincial seal shows Pra Samut Thewaa sitting on a stone in the sea, with the sunset behind. Pra Samut Thewaa is a spirit who guards the sea. The stone is his divine vehicle. The sunset symbolizes the Andaman Sea, which lies to the west of the province.

The provincial tree is the Thai Rosewood or Pha-yungklaep (Dalbergia bariensis), and the provincial flower is the Snowy Orchid Tree (Bauhinia acuminata). The province's motto is Peaceful, Clean and Pure Nature.

 Administrative divisions

Satun is subdivided into 7 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 36 subdistricts (tambon) and 277 villages (muban). Satun itself is the only town (thesaban mueang), there are further 5 townships (thesaban tambon). The non-municipal area is administrated by 35 tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

Mueang Satun (Malay: Mambang) Khuan Don (Malay: Dusun) Khuan Kalong Tha Phae

La-ngu Thung Wa Manang

Originally, the province was subdivided into 2 districts - Mambang and Thung Wa - and the minor district (King Amphoe) La-ngu. Due to the decline of pepper production in Thung Wa district, in 1930 the government made Thung Wa a minor district and instead declared La-ngu a district. In 1939 Mambang was renamed to Mueang Satun. Khuan Kalong was split off from Mueang district in 1969, from which in turn Tha Pae was split in 1976 and Manang in 1996. In 1973 Thung Wa regained district status. Khuan Don was established in 1975 by splitting it from Mueang district.

 Tourism

Sights

Satun Central Mosque or Mambang Mosque (มัสยิดกลางจังหวัดสตูลหรือมัสยิดมำบัง) It is a place for religious services. The mosque is in a modern style of architecture. Its white building is decorated with glazed tiles, marble, and glass.

Satun National Museum – Kuden Mansion / Istana Tengku Kudin of Kedah (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสตูล – คฤหาสน์กูเด็น) During 1997–2000, the Fine Arts Department renovated the Kuden Mansion into a western two-storey brick building. Curved doors and windows are in the European architectural style of art. Its Thai-styled hip-roof is covered with Spanish terra cotta roof tiles. The top of the pediment is adorned with a star-shaped vent in accordance with Islamic architecture.

Khao To Phaya Wang Public Park (สวนสาธารณะเขาโต๊ะพญาวัง) This park offers a distinctive atmosphere unlike other parks.

Wat Chanathip Chaloem (วัดชนาธิปเฉลิม) This is the first Buddhist temple in the town of Satun. The Ubosot (ordination hall) has distinctive features, unlike an ordination hall in general. It is a Thai-styled two-storey building. The first storey is a brick building used as a preaching hall. The second storey is a wooden building for religious practice by Buddhist monks.

Laem Tanyong Po and Hat Sai Yao (แหลมตันหยงโปและหาดทรายยาว) is a cape jutting into the Andaman Sea where there is a fishing village. Its long sandy beach is fringed with coconut trees and fishermen’s houses.

Tarutao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตะรุเตา) It is the first marine national park of Thailand. The park is renowned for its history and natural beauty. The area was declared a national park on 19 April 1974, and ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves by UNESCO in 1982. Attractions in the Tarutao National Park:

Ko Tarutao (เกาะตะรุเตา) It is the largest island of the park, covering an area of 152 km². Most of the areas are mountains with a moist evergreen forest, interesting species of plants and wildlife. Some part of the area is a mangrove forest. There are many bays, both small and large, with beautiful beaches. Attractions on Ko Tarutao:

Ao Phante Melaka (อ่าวพันเตมะละกา) It is a bay with a clean long white beach. The headquarters of the Tarutao National Park is located here.

Ao Chak (อ่าวจาก) This small bay is next to Ao Phante Melaka.

Ao Mo Lae (อ่าวเมาะและ) The bay possesses a clean white sandy beach. There is a beautiful grove of coconut trees amidst tranquility.

Ao Son (อ่าวสน) This curve-shaped bay has sandy beaches which are interspersed with rocky beaches. It is also an egg-laying ground for sea turtles.

Ao Talo Wao (อ่าวตะโละวาว) It is a historical area where the reformatory estate for detention and critical prisoners was established. Nowadays, the park has imitation buildings of the past.

Ao Talo Udang (อ่าวตะโละอุดัง) It is a bay located to the south of the island, 8 km from Ko Langkawi. The Park’s Ranger Station To To 2 (Talo Udang) is situated here. In the past, it was where political prisoners from the Bowondet and Nai Sip rebels were detained.

Namtok Ludu (น้ำตกลูดู) It is a small beautiful waterfall, around 3 km from Ao Son. There is a nature trail from Ao Son to Namtok Ludu.

Tham Chorakhe (ถ้ำจระเข้) It is a cave of 300 m in depth. Inside, beautiful stalactites and stalagmites can be found in different forms.

Pha To Bu Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวผาโต๊ะบู) Pha To Bu is a cliff 60 m above sea level. The viewpoint is behind the park’s headquarters, overlooking the beach of Ao Phante Melaka, Ko Bulon, Ko Klang, Ko Khai, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, and Muko Phetra.

Ko Khai (เกาะไข่) It is an island to the west of Ko Tarutao. This small island is located between Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang. The famous feature of Ko Khai is its natural stone arch which is used as the symbol of the Tarutao National Park. Coral reefs are commonly found in the sea around Ko Khai.

Muko Adang – Rawi (หมู่เกาะอาดัง – ราวี) These are the islands located 40 km to the southwest of Ko Tarutao, or 60 km from the town of Satun.

Ko Adang (เกาะอาดัง) The island has an area of around 30 km², with many beautiful beaches of fine sand. It is surrounded by small islands, and is an ideal place for skin-diving.

Ko Rawi (เกาะราวี) This island has an area of about 29 km², with beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, and serenity.

Ko Lipeh or Ko Lipe (เกาะสิเป๊ะหรือเกาะหลีเป๊ะ) There is a community of Moken (Chao Le or Andaman Sea Gypsies) here. Most families earn a living by fishing. Most importantly, the villagers will build boats from Rakam wood and perform a ceremony to float the boat, according to their belief in the prediction of their fishing. Ko Lipe is becoming a major tourist destination with many bungalow complexes on the two main beaches, Pattaya and Sunrise Beach.

Ko Hin Ngam (เกาะหินงาม) It is a small island located to the southwest of Ko Adang. On the beach, there are smooth black stones in different shapes and with beautiful patterns. The stones will be bright and glossy when wet.

Ko Yang or Ko Kata (เกาะยางหรือเกาะกาต๊ะ) Here, the sea is crystal clear and it is a source of beautiful hard corals, such as staghorn coral, leaf coral, and brain coral.

Ko Chabang (เกาะจาบัง) It is a small island. Deep down around the submerged rocks is the habitat of soft corals, sea anemones, and schools of colourful fish.

Muko Dong (หมู่เกาะดง) It is the islands on the farthest outer ring of Muko Adang – Rawi, around one hour from Ko Adang. There are coral reefs in both shallow and deep sea. Around Ko Dong are 4 – 5 satellite islands. One of them is Ko Hin Son, which prominently looks like superimposed rocks.

Tham Lot Puyu (ถ้ำลอดปูยู) This passable cave is like the one in Ao Phang-nga. Khlong Tha Chin or Tha Chin Canal flows through the cave. Mangrove forests flank the canal throughout its course. Inside the cave, there are some stalactites and stalagmites.

Thale Ban National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติทะเลบัน) Most of the areas are a complex of mountains and dense woods. Wild animals found here include serow, elephant, tapir, common wild pig, monkey, gibbon, and Khiat Wak, or Ma Nam (Giant Asiatic toad or Malayan giant toad). Attractions in the Thale Ban National Park:

Bueng Thale Ban (บึงทะเลบัน) It is a freshwater lake located in the middle of a valley flanked by the Chin and the Wang Pra Ranges.

Namtok Ya Roi (น้ำตกยาโรย) It originates from a source in the Hua Kraming Forest.

Namtok Ton Plio (น้ำตกโตนปลิว) It originates from Mount Chin. This large and beautiful multi-tiered waterfall flows from a high cliff.

Thai – Malaysian Border Zone or Wang Prachan Checkpoint (เขตชายแดนไทย – มาเลเซียหรือด่านวังประจัน). It is just 2 km from the park’s headquarters. Located here is the Thale Ban National Park Ranger Station.

Namtok Thara Sawan Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกธาราสวรรค์) The area was declared a forest park by the Royal Forest Department on 23 July 1996. Regular rain causes an abundant evergreen forest here.

Namtok Panan (น้ำตกปาหนัน) It is located in Tambon Thung Nui, 39 km from the town of Satun. The waterfall originates from Mount Kaming. The surrounding nature is still intact. It has water flowing all year round. A power generating dam of a medium scale has been built in the waterfall area.

La-ngu Local Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พื้นบ้านละงู) The museum building has 2 storeys. On the ground floor, there are local handicrafts and sweets for sale. A museum on the upper floor displays brassware, earthenware, silverware, etc. which are the private collection of Mr. Chaiwat Saikun.

Muko Phetra National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะเภตรา) Most of the areas are high and steep mountains with valley plains and beaches. The national park has forests, mountains, wildlife, and colourful coral reefs. It is composed of large and small main islands. Attractions in the Muko Phetra National Park:

Ao Nun (อ่าวนุ่น) It is a bay where the park’s headquarters is located. Ao Nun lies on a vast bay curve in serenity.

Hat Rawai (หาดราไว) The beach is fringed with lines of pine trees.

Ko Lidi Lek (เกาะลิดีเล็ก) The Park’s Ranger Station is located here. A white sandy beach lies on the island. A virgin mangrove forest grows at the island’s side where various aquatic animals inhabit.

Ko Bulon (เกาะบุโหลน) There are scattered spots for snorkelling and scuba diving, such as Ko Ayam and Ko Hin Khao. At night, hermit crabs and ghost crabs can be seen on the beach.

Namtok Wang Sai Thong (น้ำตกวังสายทอง) The beauty of this waterfall is the limestone in the shape of multi-petalled lotus flowers settling on the bottom of the pools at each of its tiers.

Namtok Than Plio (น้ำตกธารปลิว) It originates from Mount Lung Khroe in the provincial areas of Satun and Trang. This two-tiered waterfall has a pool of 40 m wide and 50 m long at its base. The surrounding area is shady with various plants.

Culture

 Festivals

Tradition Festival and Fair
        The festivals attraction in Satun practicing from past to present is named as below:

1. International Kite Festival is held annually in February at Satun Airport, which is 4 kilometers to Satun town. At that time the southwest monsoon wind support flying kite, so in each year many Thai and foreign people join the competition.
2. Loi Krathong Festival (Floating Lanterns) falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which is usually in November. It is a traditional festival which held by the local for a long time. Muaeng municipality responds to this festival every year.
3. Vegetarian Festival is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (usually October) at Po Jae Kang shrine, Muaeng district. This is a Chinese tradition where believers refrain from eating meat and particular vegetables for nine days in order to make merit and give offerings to the spirits.
4. Floating Boat Festival (Lory Roer) of Lipeh Islander is held twice time each year, on the 13th-15th day of the waxing moon in May and November. It is believed that this festival is held by sea gypsies living on Lipeh Island, Satun. The objective is setting drift of small boats in order to drive away evil, and consulting the oracles in their career. Type of drifting can predict that their fishing work is good or bad.
5. Circumcision Rite Festival is an Islamic religious festival.  In this festival male genital organ is ‘cut around’.  The rite is prepared for one male or some time host supports their relative to circumcise at the same time for elevating the morale of the youths to be circumcised. In the past, the circumcision rite was done in the morning between 08.00-10.00 hours or in the evening due to the fact that the weather is cooler than noon and blood does not bleed too much. However, the circumcision was performed by the traditional medicine man. At present, the circumcision is done by the physicians and requires no rituals. It takes 15 days to get well. Normally the circumcision was performed in April during the term break.
   
   

Transportations
The transportation to Satun is very convenient because visitor can use many route such as land, water and air. It can link nearby province, namely:

1. By Car
   From Bangkok, drive on Highway No. 4 past Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon then take Highway No. 41 to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. From Phatthalung, drive on to Rattaphum district, Songkhla then take Highway No. 4 and turn right to Highway No. 406. It is 973 kilometers.
2. By Bus
   The journey from Bangkok to Satun can be made on air-conditioned and ordinary coaches originating from the Southern Bus Terminal in Borom Rajacholnani Road. It departs from terminal every day.
3. By Train
   Visitors can take a Bangkok-Hat Yai express or ordinary train; departing from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong).Then, getting off at the Hat Yai train station, visitors can take a taxi, van and public bus to Satun. It is 97 kilometers from Hat Yai to Satun.
4. By Air
   There is no direct flight to Satun. The trip by air can be made via Hat Yai airport then taking a taxi or public bus to Satun for 97 kilometers.
5. Transportation to neighboring country
   From Satun visitor can journey to neighboring country by both land and sea namely:
6. By land
   Visitor uses Highway No.4184, Khuan Sato – Ban Wang Prachan which link to Highway in Malaysia.  It starts from Khuan Sato intersection, forward to border mark at Ban Wang Prachan. The distance is 22 kilometers. From Ban Wang Prachan, visitor goes to Padangbesa and Penang or to Songkhla via Sadoaw immigration in Sadoaw district and then to Hat Yai district (Padangbesa- Hat Yai) for 61 kilometers. From Ban Wang Prachan border visitor goes to Ka-ang, Perlis State for 36 kilometers and to Penang for 130 kilometers.
7. By Sea
   From Muaeng district visitor goes to Peris by small boat. At present there is a regular ferry service between Satun and Langawi Island, Kedar, Malaysia, running 4 times a day at Tamarang pier, Tamarang Custom.  It takes 1.15 hours.