Songkhla, located on Thailand’s eastern coast, is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Originally known in ancient records as “Singora” or “Singkhora,” the name Songkhla likely evolved from "Singhala" (meaning "City of Lions"), inspired by offshore islands that resemble two lions guarding the coast. The region first appeared in records from Arab and Persian merchants between 1450-1550, who noted Songkhla as a significant trading port. Ancient communities, artifacts, and traditions continue to reflect its cultural legacy today.

Key Historical Highlights of Songkhla:

  1. Ancient Civilization and Srivijaya Influence Songkhla’s history dates back to prehistoric times, evidenced by the discovery of stone axes in Sathing Phra District. The area, once the center of the Srivijaya Empire in Southeast Asia, was influenced by Indian culture for over seven centuries. Sathing Phra’s architectural remains suggest it was an early political and cultural hub around Songkhla Lake.
  2. Development of Songkhla and Pattani By the 15th century, the name Sathing Phra faded, and new settlements emerged, including Phatthalung’s Phako. However, pirate raids during the 16th-18th centuries led to instability, eventually fostering two major communities: Songkhla near Khao Daeng (Red Mountain) and Phatthalung’s Bang Kaeo. Songkhla thrived as a trade port, largely under Malay-Muslim rule, with British support, opposing Dutch trade monopolies in the region. However, in the late 17th century, King Narai of Ayutthaya reasserted control over Songkhla, after which it became part of Phatthalung Province.
  3. Songkhla as a Strategic Town in the Thonburi and Rattanakosin Eras During the Thonburi and early Rattanakosin periods, Songkhla's position was strengthened by appointing influential governors. In 1775, under King Taksin, a Hokkien Chinese official, Luang Suwannakiri (from the Na Songkhla lineage), governed Songkhla. His family maintained control over the province through eight generations until 1901, contributing to the region’s growth and stability.
  4. Urban and Defensive Developments In the mid-19th century, King Rama III ordered the construction of Songkhla’s fortress and city walls to defend against external threats, particularly Malay forces. The city’s layout was further formalized under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) with the construction of administrative structures. In 1895, Songkhla was established as the administrative center for Nakhon Si Thammarat Monthon, a status that continued until the region became an official province in 1933.
  5. Songkhla as a Modern Provincial Capital In 1895, Songkhla became a focal point for administrative reform in Southern Thailand, under the direction of Phra Wijitworasaas (Pan Sukhum). From 1915-1925, it served as the seat for the Commissioner of the South and hosted royal figures, including Prince Lopburi Ramase. Following the administrative reforms of 1933, Songkhla became a permanent province of Thailand.