General Information about Satun Province

รายละเอียด

Satun Province is an area of great historical and archaeological significance, believed to be the oldest landmass in Southeast Asia. In addition to fossils of early life forms and geological sites like caves and sandbanks, Satun has several other unique characteristics worth mentioning:
1. Early Human Settlements: Satun is home to ancient human settlements, with evidence found in caves such as the Urai Thong Cave.
2. Indigenous Communities: This region is inhabited by indigenous groups, including:
2.1 Urak Lawoi (Sea People)
2.2 Orang Asli (Forest People)
These communities have rich histories, distinct ways of life, beliefs, and cultures. The Urak Lawoi, in particular, live on Lipe Island and nearby islands, offering interesting perspectives for anthropology, sociology, and history.
3. Modern Thai Communities: Today, Satun is home to Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims (of Malay descent), and Thai-Chinese communities. These groups live together harmoniously, each preserving their traditions, celebrations, and beliefs, such as ancestor worship among the Chinese community.
Satun's geographical location is also notable, situated along an ancient trade route connecting Penang (a key port city in the British Empire) to the Sungai-Upe port and other Siamese cities. This adds an intriguing historical layer, especially in the period when the early democratic government used Tarutao Island as a political prison. During World War II, local residents and prisoners on the island helped the Allies disrupt Japanese supply lines.
 
Finally, despite its seemingly distant location, Satun is now much easier to reach thanks to advances in transportation:
1. Air Travel: The nearest airports are in Hat Yai and Trang, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Satun. These airports offer both domestic and international flights.
2. Train Travel: Long-distance trains, especially sleeper trains, provide a comfortable and safe option. The journey from Bangkok to Hat Yai or Trang takes about 14 hours, and travelers can easily continue their journey by car or public transport.
3. Road Transport: Modern, well-developed road networks make traveling to Satun faster and more convenient than before. Travelers can easily reach the province by private car or public transportation from Bangkok and other major southern cities.