13 Facts About Patani

Patani Darussalam is a historical region in the Malay peninsula.

Patani region has historical affinities with the Singgora, Ligor, Lingga and Kelantan sultanates dating back to the time when the Patani Kingdom was a semi-independent Malay sultanate paying tribute to the Siamese kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.

In recent years a secessionist movement has sought the establishment of a Malay Islamic state, Patani Darussalam, encompassing the three southern Thai provinces.

The town became Patani, which is believed to be named either after "this beach" where the mouse-deer had disappeared, or the old man as Pak Tani meaning "Father Tani".

In Thailand's southernmost provinces, "Patani" has become a controversial term used to refer to the area encompassing the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla, mostly inhabited by Malay Muslims.

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Inhabitants of the Patani region have been traditionally part of the Malay culture, having a historical background in which Islam has constituted a major influence.

Patani people speak a form of the Malay language locally known as Jawi.

Patani had a complex and distinct culture that included a rich oral literature, rice harvest ceremonies, colourful paintings on the hulls of Korlae boats, and the performances of a kind of Wayang theatre.

Until well into the 20th century, the government in Bangkok had relied on local officials in the implementation of policies within the Patani region, including the exemption in implementing Thai Civil Law, which had allowed Muslims to continue their observance of local laws based on Islam regarding issues on inheritance and family.

Patani came under Thai rule briefly during the Sukhothai period, and more extensively during the later Ayuthaya period.

Patani had completed his Islamic studies locally before being sent by his father to further education in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Patani even opened a school in Mecca and had students from all over the world study under him.

Patani concluded that an exclusive reorganisation of the governmental structure in the area to suit the people there would then "divide the country".