Silat Pattani

Also known as	Silat Tua, Silat Patani
Country of origin	Pattani, Thailand
Olympic sport	No

Silat Patani (Thai: Silat Pattani) is a style of silat originating in the Pattani kingdom, between what is now northern Malaysia and southern Thailand. The art is also known as silat tua (old silat) because tradition credits it as the oldest form of Silat Melayu.

History[link]

Silat Pattani is said to trace back to the pendeta guru (pandita guru), the youngest of three brothers who had been trained as warriors. By their masters' instruction, the brothers were travelling north in the hope of attaining moksa (enlightenment). On their journey, they were caught up in a bloody battle near the Siamese border. The youngest of the three was wounded but managed to escape into a forest. Following a stream, he reached a waterfall where he stopped to rest. The warrior noticed a lotus flower come down the waterfall but even as it was pushed below the surface by the waterfall, the lotus would float back up completely intact. The warrior tried throwing a stone and then a stick at the lotus, both with the same result. Finally he went into the water and tried slashing at it with his sword but the lotus would only swirl away, still unharmed. The exhausted warrior then fell into the water and upon climbing out, he contemplated how this principle of overcoming the hard with the soft could be applied to battle. Over time he studied the movements of animals and mythical figures which he incorporated into his fighting style. This story is believed to have taken place during the 14th century.

Basic concepts[link]

Jantan Betina[link]

Jantan betina literally means "male-female" and is the Malay concept of opposites, similar to the Chinese yin and yang. It also refers to the concept of relativity wherein hard is only harder than something that is softer but is softer than something that is harder. Jantan is represented by hard, fierce, fast actions while betina is slow, subtle and soft. The two opposing forces are dynamic - never in perfect balance but constantly changing from one into the other by leading or following, forcing or flowing. In silat practice, this means that one force must be met with its opposite. A strong attack may be defended with a soft, evasive response but heavy and powerful actions might be useful against a yielding, subtler opponent. For this reason, fighters must be able to instantly change from strong to gentle. Jantan and betina must also complement each other so that, for example, when the dominant hand is high the other is low or when one palm faces up the other faces down, etc.

Panchabuta[link]

According to Malay metaphysical theory the universe is composed of five elements (panchabuta): fire, earth, water, wind and the intangible fifth element of angkasa (void). The body is a miniature of the cosmos with each element corresponding to one of the body's functions. Water is blood and the bodily fluids; fire is the senses of sight and hearing; earth is the flesh, muscle and bone while wind is the respiratory system. Training the four elements is believed to bring practitioners into alignment with the cosmos. This begins by focusing on one or all of the elements in turn during meditation. Hand position varies depending on the element but all are done either in the half lotus or preferably the full lotus position. Element meditation is followed by a string of freestyle techniques reflecting the four elements, performed either seated or while standing. Each element can be explored in infinite manifestations. For example, wind might be a gentle breeze or a tornado. However, the elements tend to be identified with certain qualities. Fire techniques are fast with sudden twists and changes of height. Wind involves jumping movements and acrobatic leaps. Earth is expressed through solid stances and strong attacks. Soft and fluid moves represent water.

Forms[link]

Unlike most silat styles, Silat Pattani has no pre-arranged forms but instead relies on freestyle sets. Forms which are performed solo are called tari while those done with a partner are called silat pulut. Such training allows for the learning of various techniques and applications without having to teach set moves.

Ramayana forms[link]

Having been founded by ascetics, silat is closely tied to Hindu-Buddhist philosophy and legend. As with other Southeast Asian martial arts, Silat Pattani contains sets based on characters from the Ramayana (Malay:Hikayat Seri Rama, Thai:Ramakien). Called Tari Ramayana, these forms require the practitioner to not only mimic the characters' movements but their mannerisms as well. Three figures are of particular importance in Silat Pattani.

Seri Rama: Imitates Rama shooting an arrow, searching for it and then retrieving it. This set is characterised by a straight back and confident movements in imitation of Rama's regal bearing. It is often recommended for improving the posture of students who are prone to hunching too much.

Sita Dewi: Mimics Sita's coyness and femininity. The specialty of this form is a technique where the thumb touches the first two fingers which can be used to block and parry as well as attack. Movements are short and economical, allowing for easy retreat. Attacks are aimed at the vital points. Sita's style is epitomised by the kerambit, a claw-like knife that Malay women would wear in their hair.

Hanuman: The monkey king Hanuman is famous for his strength. This set is unpredictable and combines agile leaping escapes with attacks that are both hard and fast. Hanuman's weapon is the gedak (mace).

Animal forms[link]

One teaching states that a Silat Pattani practitioner should have the agility of a deer, the strength of a tiger and the mystic abilities of a dragon. Before starting this training, practitioners assume the proper frame of mind by performing movements that embody the respective animal. Silat Pattani contains six animal sets which can be done empty-handed or with weapons. Some animals are emulated in more than one form.

Weapons[link]

Practitioners begin weapon training after they've learned the fundamentals of empty handed fighting. The stick, machete, sarong, spear and kris are the five basic weapons. Unlike later silat styles which favour the kris as their main weapon, it is regarded as the least useful weapon in Silat Pattani and is therefore taught last.

• Kayu/ Batang (stick)
• Parang (machete/broadsword)
• Chindai/ Samping (sarong)
• Tombak/ Lembing (spear)
• Kris (dagger)
• Kerambit (tiger-claw knife)
• Gedak (mace)

See also[link]

• Silat Melayu
• Tomoi
• Bando
• Bokator
• Silambam
• Wuxingquan
• Xingyiquan

References[link]

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Pattani ปัตตานี
—  Province  —
Pattani Mosque
Seal
Map of Thailand highlighting Pattani Province
Country	Thailand
Capital	Pattani
Government
• Governor	Thirathep Siyaphan (since 2008)
Area
• Total	1,940.4 km2 (749.2 sq mi)
Area rank	Ranked 67th
Population (2000)
• Total	895,985
• Rank	Ranked 39th
• Density	460/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
• Density rank	Ranked 9th
Time zone	Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7)
ISO 3166 code	TH-94

Pattani (Thai: ปัตตานี) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south-east clockwise) Narathiwat, Yala and Songkhla.

Geography[link]

Pattani is located on the Malay Peninsula, with the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the north. In the south mountainous landscape with the Sankalakhiri mountain range, including the Budo - Su-ngai Padi National Park, is located at the border to Yala and Narathiwat, protecting hill forests with rare vegetation such as the Bangsoon palm (Johnnesteijsmannia altifon) and Takathong rattan, as well as birds like the hornbill. Namtok Sai Khao on the border with Songkhla and Yala is a forest park, remarkable for the Sai Khao waterfall.

History[link]

The name Pattani is actually the Thai derivation of Patani (Jawi: ڤتنا); its original name could mean 'this beach' in Patani Malay language. In standard Malay, it is "Pantai Ini".

Historically Pattani province was the centre of the semi-independent Malay Sultanate of Patani Darul Makrif, but paying tribute to the Thai kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. After Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, the Sultanate of Patani gained full independence, but under King Rama I again came under Siam's control.

In 1909, the possession by Siam was officially sanctioned by the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 negotiated with the British Empire. Both Yala (Jala) and Narathiwat (Menara) were originally part of Patani, but were made provinces of their own during the territorial administrative reform and the creation of a united centralized Siam state.

Demographics[link]

Pattani is one of the four provinces of Thailand where the majority of the population are Malay Muslim, making up 88% of the population. They speak the Patani Malay language, although almost everyone can also speak Thai. The Pattani Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of Kelantan, Malaysia.

Symbols[link]

The seal of the province shows the cannon called Phraya Tanior in Malay is Sri Pattani, which was cast in the Pattani province. It was brought to Bangkok in 1785, and is now on display in front of the Ministry of Defence in Bangkok.

The provincial flower is the Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and the provincial tree the Ironwood (Hopea odorata).

Administrative divisions[link]

Pattani is subdivided into 12 districts (amphoe), which are further subdivided into 115 communes (tambon) and 629 villages (muban).

The districts of Chana (Malay: Chenok), Thepa (Malay:Tiba) and Saba Yoi (Malay:Sebayu) were detached from Pattani and transferred to Songkhla in recent times by the Thai government.

Tourism[link]

Sights[link]

Ta Chi Cape Fronting the Pattani Bay lies a sandy, beach lined peninsula that stretches far out into the gulf. Easy accessible by road it boasts a wealth of pine trees and shrubs native to this region. The seaward side offers a picturesque scenery and reasonable surf, the tip of the peninsula offers a natural protected harbor for plenty of fishing boats of which many are of the older, hand colored and wooden "Korlae" style

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (สวนสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทร์) The Park is decorated with many flowers and a very beautiful landscape.

Kallayaniwatthana Institute of Arts and Culture (สถาบันวัฒนธรรมศึกษากัลยาณิวัฒนา) The institute is divided into two sections:

1. Phra Thepyanmoli (พิพิธภัณฑ์พระเทพญาณโมลี) Museum displays the history, activities, and utensils of Phra Thepyanmoli.

2. Khatichon Witthaya Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์คติชนวิทยา) displays the stories, case studies of the Muslim household in the Southern border provinces, local utensils, local arts and displays, ancient utensil materials in pre-historic and the beginning of community periods, history of the ancient town of Yarang, pottery, local beliefs and technology.

Pattani Central Mosque (มัสยิดกลางปัตตานี) This is the most beautiful and largest mosque in Thailand. It is the center for religious ceremonies to be performed by the Muslim citizens in the South. The architecture is western, with some similarity to the well known Taj Mahal of India. With the big dome in the center, there are four surrounding small ones with two minarets.

City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง) The shrine was constructed on 13 April 1951 when Phraya Rattana Phakdi was the Governor.

Krue Se Mosque (มัสยิดกรือเซะ) This mosque has round pillars which is the middle-east arts style. An important feature is the domed roof, which has never been completed. It has been assured that this mosque was built during the reign of King Naresuan the Great (1578–1593).

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Graveyard (สุสานเจ้าแม่ลิ้มกอเหนี่ยว) As per the story of the legend, Lim Ko Niao, a Chinese girl which came to Pattani by ship to look for Lim To Khiam, her elder brother who had got married with the Pattani Governor’s daughter, converted to Islam and ordered the construction of the Krue Se mosque. However, she was not successful in taking his brother back home. Therefore, after putting a curse impeding the roof of the mosque to be completed, she hanged herself on a cashewnut tree near the mosque and her brother buried her at this place.

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Chinese Shrine or Leng Chu Kiang Shrine (ศาลเจ้าแม่ลิ้มกอเหนี่ยวหรือศาลเจ้าเล่งจูเกียง) On the day of the 3rd lunar month every year, there is the colorful procession carrying Chao Mae’s sculpture along several roads in town, walking on fire in front of the shrine, and swimming across the river near Dechanuchit Bridge.

Hat Talokapor ( Teluk Kapur ) Beach (หาดตะโละกาโปร์) With its long white sand, line of pines and coconut trees, this beach is one of the most popular ones in Pattani. There are many Korlae boats with their unique colorful characteristics of the southern fishermen.

Laem Ta Chi or Laem Pho (แหลมตาชี หรือ แหลมโพธิ์) This is another white-sand beach extended from Talokapor Beach. It has been the accumulation of sand spit into the Gulf of Thailand on the north.

Dato Mosque (มัสยิดบ้านดาโต๊ะ) This old mosque is surrounded by an Islamic community and a graveyard, it has been renovated and still serves for religious ceremonies.

Yaring Natural Study Centre (ศูนย์ศึกษาธรรมชาติป่าชายเลนยะหริ่ง) There is a 1,250 meter long wooden bridge as the walkway for study purposes of the forest. Along the natural trail, there are several species of plants, rest area and a bird-watching tower with the height of 13 meters.

Hat Panare (หาดปะนาเระ) There are many households of fishermen, Korlae and boats along the beach. Seafood selling stalls by the beach are inexpensive and their selections are plentiful.

Hat Chalalai (หาดชลาลัย) The beach is highlighted by a large pond near the pine line.

Hat Ma Ruat (หาดมะรวด) This beach is characterized by the amazing site of the aggregated small rock mountains overlapping each other.

Hat Ratcharak (หาดราชรักษ์) This beach is extended from Chalalai, Maruad, and Khae Khae Beaches.

Hat Khae Khae (หาดแฆแฆ) “Khae Khae” is a local Malay word which means “loud noise”. With its large granite rocks along the coast, the beach looks quite different from the others and is naturally reputed as the most beautiful beaches in Panare.

Palas Market (ตลาดนัดปาลัส) This venue reflects the real rural lifestyle of the southern Thai Muslims.

Hat Wasukri (หาดวาสุกรี) The beach is about 52 kilometers from Pattani and about 2 kilometers from Sai Buri. It is in Patatimo ( Pantai Timur ) Village, Tambon Taluban.

Ban Paseyawo (บ้านปะเสยะวอ) This is a well-known venue for Korlae Boat making. The highlighting characteristics of the Korlae is the narrowing head and tail, with unique color. Besides the real Korlae for fishery, there are also imitations made for souvenirs.

Khao Ruesi (เขาฤาษี) The highlight of this mount is the natural rocky formation. Also, there are two ponds containing water which has been believed to be very holy and was used in the Coronation of many Kings.

Yarang Ancient Town (เมืองโบราณยะรัง) The city was one of the oldest communities in the history of the southern part of Thailand. It is believed that it was the location of the ancient kingdom of “Lanka Suka”. The structure of the ancient town was the large oval shape in the area of 9 square kilometers.

Wat Mutcharinthawapiwihan (วัดมุจลินทวาปีวิหาร) At present, its temple is still beautiful. With the sculptures of the last 3 abbots, especially Phra Ratchaphuttharangsi, the 5th abbot.

Hat Ratchadapisek (หาดรัชดาภิเษก) Situated at Ban Sai Mo, Tambon Sai Mo, this beach is about 15 kilometers from Pattani City, or 2 kilometers away from Nong Chik District Office.

King Rama VII Pavilion (พลับพลาที่ประทับรัชกาลที่ 7) This Thai style pavilion was built for King Rama VII during his visit to watch the eclipse in 1929.

Wat Chang Hai Rat Buranaram (วัดช้างให้ราษฎร์บูรณาราม) This monastery is at Ban Pa Rai, Tambon Tung Pala.

Wat Chang Hai - Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center (ศูนย์ศิลปชีพวัดช้างให้) The center displays and sells many southern handicrafts such as batik cloth, miniature Kolae boats, handicrafts, mats, and ceramics.

Namtok Sai Khao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกทรายขาว) This evergreen forest is full of various kinds of plants, and a variety of waterfalls. The most beautiful waterfall here is called Sai Khao Waterfall. At the end, is a waterfall which drops for 40 meters.

Namtok Phong Phong (น้ำตกโผงโผง) With seven staged levels, this waterfall has a big pond at the lowest level.

Namtok Aran Warin (น้ำตกอรัญวาริน) Situated at Mu 4, Tambon Tung Pala. The total distance from Pattani is about 30 kilometers.

Hat Sai Chai Bueng Ban Laweng (หาดทรายชายบึงบ้านละเวง) Chai Bueng Ban Laweng has different surroundings and nature. There is a large pond near the white beach. Moreover, there is a local handicraft center (Ban Laweng) displaying weaving products.

Hat Bang Sai (หาดบางสาย) Located at Mu 6, Tambon Sai Thong, 74 kilometers from Pattani, this beach is about 5 kilometers in length.

Hat Pa Mai (หาดป่าไหม้) This beach is located at Mu 3, Tambon Sai Thong, an extension from Hat Bang Sai.

Local Products[link]

Pattani offers many interesting locally made products such as dry squid, budu sauce, fish chips, preserved look yee, brassware, baskets, cloth, Batik,etc.

Culture[link]

Festivals[link]

Chak Phra Festival (ประเพณีชักพระ) This annual festival has been organized to commemorate the day that Lord Buddha came back from the heaven. Buddhists in Amphoe Khok Pho and nearby will accompany the decorated boat procession from all temples. The procession will be composed of beautifully dressed people. Activities include dancing and offering food to Buddhist monks at the District Office’s field for 5 days, 5 nights.

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Fair (งานสมโภชเจ้าแม่ลิ้มกอเหนี่ยว) This fair is celebrated annually 15 days after Chinese New Year. Highlighting the event is the procession to carry the wooden sculpture of Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao-a goddess which is respected by the citizens of Chinese ethnicity in Pattani. This annual fair also features extraordinary arts of endurance such as walking on fire. Before joining the festival for 7 days, participants of the fair need to be vegetarians by having no-meat food at least 7 days before the festival. Normally, the fair is celebrated widely by the people of Pattani and of nearby provinces.

Fishing Sports in Sai Buri (งานแข่งขันกีฬาตกปลาสายบุรี) The event is annually held on the second weekend of May at Hat Wasukri, Amphoe Sai Buri. Due to the long coast and the great amount of a variety of fish, this sport has become very popular and exciting.

See also[link]

• 2007 South Thailand bombings
• Pattani (region)
• Pattani kingdom
• South Thailand insurgency

External links[link]

• Pattani province website (Thai)
• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Pattani Erupts
• http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/thailand2.htm
• http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1268667,00.html

		Gulf of Thailand
	Songkhla Province		Narathiwat Province
		Pattani Province    East
		Yala Province

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Coordinates: 6°52′4″N 101°15′00″E / 6.86778°N 101.25°E / 6.86778; 101.25