Pattani Province (Thai: จังหวัดปัตตานี, English: ChangwatPattani), one of the first-class administrative divisions of Thailand, is located on the east coast of southern Thailand, with geographical coordinates 6°52′4″N,101°15′0″E, near the Gulf of Thailand. Inhabited by a large number of Muslims, it is a region with complex ethnic relations and frequent riots and attacks. The three provinces of Taungkung, Jarat and Pattani were originally under the jurisdiction of the Malay royal dynasty of Pattani, but were later annexed by Siam, and since then Malay-Muslim separatism has never ceased. In order to monitor secessionism, the Thai government has long maintained military control over the three provinces.
