We Thais are probably already familiar with provincial slogans and simple marketing that works effectively with the generations of our parents, uncles and aunts. However, it may not be so familiar for new generations, including millennials and younger. When we see or hear them, we may exclaim “huh?!”. But believe me, these slogans are telling us something, especially when combined with district slogans, and clearly state specific information.
The district slogan originates from the provincial slogan formulated between the years 1987-1988, when Thai tourism was being promoted and General Prem Tinsulanonda was Prime Minister. Songkhla Province has 16 districts in total. We would like to draw upon district slogans with specific mention of ‘raw materials’ from 11 districts, to invite further thought and discussion as follows. General Prem’s government declared 1987 to be the year of Thai tourism, beginning January 1987 to July 1988.
This article presents the slogans of districts within Songkhla Province.
1. Krasae Sin District: “Luang Pho Derm, home of the lotus, blooming everywhere, water flowing all across the city, famous for Somdej Chao, the city of outstanding Satho varieties”. The outstanding satho variety mentioned is Satho Khao, noted for its sweet aftertaste, crispy texture, mild aroma, slightly astringent flavor, large seeds, and twisted pods.
2. Khun Niang District: “Land of Artists, bridge to the main port, Bang Riang Organic Vegetables, famous beaches”. Bang Riang sub-district, Khuan Niang is the largest source of safe (hygienic) and non-toxic vegetables in Songkhla Province. “Vegetarian Food Day and Outstanding Things of Bang Riang” is organized each year, featuring activities and stalls, by Bang Riang Sub-district Municipality.
3. Thepha District: "Triple Buddha, majestic Ko Kham, white sandy beaches, fried chicken curry rice, lined with resorts”. Thepha fried chicken with curry and rice has long been famous. Its distinction derives from its unique recipe and methods, such as the chicken being fried without skin (called “shirtless chicken”), making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavor comes from marinating overnight with salt water, soy sauce, coriander root, and chopped garlic. It is eaten together with green curry.
4. Nathawi District: “The charm of Nathawi, beautiful palace temples, the magic of Khao Nam Khang, rich in rubber trees, thick and plump jackfruit, famous longkong, and famous neem trees”.Nathawi is an inland district but with Khao Nam Khang National Park as a backdrop, with suitable areas for cultivating orchard trees, including rubber trees and jackfruit, such as Golden Nathawi jackfruit, a large golden variety of jackfruit that can weigh between 70-80 kilograms. Nathawi District also features some of largest and highest quality longkong plantations in the province, as well as the neem tree, the official tree of Songkhla Province, which generates income for locals through the collecting and sale of shoots and wood, which can be used to make furniture and various household items.
5. Bang Klam District: “Famous Luang Phu Fueng, famous for boat racing, source of sweet pomelo, Samphao Nawa area, famous sawa, delicious sticky rice”. Bang Klam District is a source of pomelo and sawa (sapodilla), famous OTOP products from the sub-district. In Lie Khao Lam in Mae Tom Sub-district, sticky rice is available in white and black varieties, along with fragrant, sweet and creamy beans.
6. Ranot District:“Thung Ruang Thong, filled with palm fruit, legendary pagodas, shrimp farms”. Ranot District is the largest rice cultivation area in Sathing Phra Peninsula. Rice is grown twice per year using rainwater and water from upper Songkhla Lake. Having such a large growing area also allows cultivation of palm trees and palm products that are the district’s specialty.
7. Rattaphum District: “Red soil, abundant source of fruit, Chao Fa Waterfall, legendary Phu Pha, gateway to the border”. Being an inland area unconnected to the sea, and with the forested area of Ton Nga Chang Forest Sanctuary, the humidity, sources of water, and soil conditions provide suitable conditions for fruit orchards. Rattaphum District is also famous for its native-southern fruits.
8. 8. Sathing Phra District: “Old City of two seas, charm of water birds, beautiful Maharat Beach, precious reclining Buddha, palm fruit produce, the legend of Luang Pu Thuat”. The district is a major palm plantation not only in Songkhla Province, but also one of the most prominent in the entire country. In addition to fresh palm sugar and other products derived from palm sugar and fruit, Sathing Phra is also one of the country’s most important sources of knowledge and wisdom related to the palm tree.
9. Saba Yoi District:“Outstanding rubber, hundreds of hills, hundreds of caves, flowing water, quality lignite, excellent unity”. Its natural abundance, presence of caves and hills makes Saba Yoi one of the major sources of rubber production in Songkhla Province.
10. Singhanakohn District: “Magnificent sea, delicious sugar, glorious culture, valuable handicrafts, southern port city”. Located on Sathing Phra Peninsula, an important sugar palm plantation in the region, Singhanakhon District is another source of sugar palm plantation and processing with a standard of quality that is second to none.
11. Hat Yai District: “Junction of the South, diverse economies, abundant life, delightful nature, Laem Pho Beach, pink pomelo, U-Tapao Canal, Ton Nga Chang Mountain”. Pink pomelo, fragrant pomelo, or Khuan Lang, is a GI plant of Songkhla Province. It is a native pomelo variety outstanding for its reddish-pink color, seedless form, sweet and sour taste, and fragrant scent. The outstanding characteristics of this plant variety are the result of soil and agricultural wisdom.
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If we look closer at the branding of “outstanding” and the path to acceptance, the process is one mostly of trial and error, accumulation of experience, and collection of knowledge, which leads to the development of products of the highest quality and a proud legacy for future generations to utilize, and which invites them to consider further developments to help ensure local ingredients maintain their standard of quality and increase in value.