Phatthalung Governor's Residence originally served as both the administrative office and residence of the Phatthalung governor. Only a portion remains today, the old palace, built during the time of Phraya Phatthalung (Noi Chantharojanawong) as governor.

Later, the palace was passed down to Mrs. Prapai Mutamara, daughter of Luang Sriworachat. The inner palace was built in 1889 by Phraya Abhaiborirak Chakrawichitpipitphakdi "Chantharojanawong", son of the then governor of Phatthalung. Currently, the descendants of the Chantharojanawong family have donated this palace to the nation. The Fine Arts Department declared it a national historical site in 1983.

"Phatthalung Ship": When the Nakhon Si Thammarat Monthon (province) was established and its administrative office was set up in Songkhla in 1896, the central government sent three ships for official use to the province: the Nakhon Si Thammarat Monthon ship (a large vessel), and the Laeng Phra Ram ship (a medium-sized vessel). The Phatthalung boat is a

"small boat." It has a flat hull, a one-and-a-half-story cabin with an upper deck containing one interior lounge. The general structure is made of hardwood. The boat is 13.50 meters long, 3.50 meters wide, and 2 meters high from the hull to the first floor, and 1.80 meters high from the first to the second floor. The roof supports are 1-inch diameter circular posts covered with brass plates. The roof is covered with asphalt, and the eaves are decorated with floral garlands. It is powered by a 13.52 gross tonnage (9.19 net) 6-cylinder engine with 17.1 horsepower.

The primary function of the Phatthalung boat is to transport documents and handle official communications between Songkhla and Phatthalung, as well as other towns within Songkhla Lake. It has served as a royal barge for the King on two occasions. The first time was in 1933, when the city of Songkhla used the Phatthalung to welcome King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni at the mouth of Songkhla Bay. The second time, the government designated the Phatthalung as a royal barge for the current King and Queen Sirikit during their visit to the people in 1962.

"Old Palace": The old palace was built during the reign of King Rama V, when Phraya Abhai Borirak (Noi Chantharowong) served as the governor of Phatthalung between 1869 and 1988. This place thus served as the administrative center of Phatthalung until 1988, when Phraya Abhai Borirak resigned from his position due to old age and failing eyesight from cataracts. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) Therefore, he was promoted to Phraya Worawut Waiwatlungkavisai Isarasak Phithakrajakit Narisarajabhakdi Abhai Phiriyapaha, the Chief of Phatthalung. Phraya Worawut Waiwatlungkavisai continued to reside in this palace until his death in 2003. The palace then became an inheritance passed to Luang Sri Worawat (Phin Chantharojwong) and his descendants in succession.

The old palace consists of three interconnected traditional Thai houses built on stilts, with gables facing east. The first and second houses are bedrooms, with a connected hall in front, and a small veranda leading to the kitchen. The entire structure is made of wood, and the houses are constructed using wooden pegs or wedges instead of nails. After the end of the city-based governance era, the old palace fell into disrepair until 2003. In 1992 (B.E. 2535), the heirs of Phraya Abhaiborirak (Noi Chantharojwong), who held ownership of the old palace and land, namely Mrs. Prapai Muttara, Miss Phob Namat, and Mr. Thammanoon Chantharojwong, transferred ownership of the old palace and all the land to the state, with the Fine Arts Department becoming the caretaker, on July 16, 1992.

• From Phatthalung city center, take Highway 4047 (Ramesuan Road) heading toward Lampam Beach for approximately 6 kilometers. The palace is located on the left side, adjacent to Wat Wang.

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat

• Avoid midday as the area is open and can get very hot

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on wood and uneven ground

• Dress modestly as it is a historical and cultural site

Admission Fees:

• 10 baht for Thais

• 50 baht for foreigners

Opening Hours:

• Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays)