| Phatthalung is an ancient city in southern
Thailand. It is a land of mountains. In town is Khao Ok Thalu, which
is clearly visible from afar. Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace
of the shadow play and the Nora dance. From ancient times to the
present, Phatthalung
has been closely linked to Songkhla Province, particularly in terms
of geography, history and migratory settlements through many ages.
During the Srivijaya period (13th-14th Buddhist century), the Phatthalung
community received Indian cultural influence in the way of Mahayana
Buddhism.
In the reign of King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) of Ayutthaya, Phatthalung
became one of twelve royal cities. Later during the reign of King
Rama I in the Rattanakosin period, the king had the Ministry of
Defense oversee Phatthalung, upgraded it to secondary city status
and moved it to the mouth of Pam River.
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