Narathiwat

Narathiwat (Thai : นราธวาส) literally means "the residence of good people". The city of Narathiwat has an abundance of traditional culture and authenticity with village-like tranquility. The inhabitants of Narathiwat are largely farmers and fishermen with the majority being Muslims who use the spoken and written Yawi language (Yawi has roots from the spoken Malay language and uses Arabic consonants and alphabets). As such, Narathiwat is an amazing and unique area with a constant flow of culture and trade between Thais and Malaysians.

Located approximately some 1,149 kilometers south of Bangkok is Narathiwat – the southernmost province in Thailand and one of the nation’s five provinces that borders Malaysia at Amphoe Su-ngai Kolok, where the southern railway line ends.

Access from Malaysia is convenient via a ninety-minute bus trip and two immigration points where travelers can cross into Thailand and vice versa. With Amphoe Su-ngai Kolok serving as an economic and border tourism center, the province welcomes an increasing numbers of Malaysians and Singaporeans on short holidays or shopping sprees.

Geographically, Narathiwat is situated on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula. The north borders Pattani Province and the Gulf of Thailand, the west borders Yala Province, the east borders the Gulf of Thailand, and the south borders Kelantan in Malaysia. The plains where the Maenam Sai Buri, Maenam Bang Nara, Maenam Tak Bai and Maenam Su-ngai Kolok converge are adjacent to the gulf.

With an area of 4,475 square kilometers, of which 75 percent are jungles and mountains, visitors to the province are provided with great opportunities to spend days at the beach or in the forests and take excursion trips to some of the magnificent temples. Narathiwat has a tropical climate and has only 2 seasons; summer and rainy. The wettest period is during November to December.

Festivals

Chao Mae Tomo Celebrations
Chao Mae Tomo Celebrations is an important festival of Su-ngai Kolok and consists of the Chao Mae Tomo procession, floral floats, lion and dragon parade, and performance of people being possessed. The event is held on the 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese calendar. Entertainment includes Chinese opera and many shops.

Narathiwat Products Fair
Narathiwat Products Fair showcases all the highlights of the province, such as the show of special arts and crafts, Krachut sedge day, barred ground dove cooing contest, Longkong day, and the annual Korlae boat races in front of the throne hall.

Korlae-Long Boat Races in front of the Throne Hall are held on Bang Nara River opposite Sala Prachakhom (community pavilion). This annual event is held when the Royal Family is in residence at Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace.

Krachut Sedge Day is an event that the province host around the same time as the boat races in order to publicise and promote hemp products, one of the activities of the crafts project of the province. Products are made in places like Moo Ban Thon and Ban Phikun Thong. Activities of the day include an exhibition on the production process from the preparation of raw materials to weaving the sedge into beautiful mats or transforming it into other lovely and unusual products like hats, handbags, letter holders, food covers, and lamp shades. Moreover, there are Krachut contests and stores selling Krachut sedge products.