Sukhirin Palace the name “Sukhirin” first appeared in the royal handwriting of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra (the Princess Mother), bestowed upon government officials and members of the settlement as a message of encouragement. The message read:

“Sukhirin. May this settlement prosper. May its people uphold morality for their own happiness and for the common good.”

During that royal visit, officials respectfully invited Her Royal Highness to stay at the settlement’s guesthouse, which at the time was only a small and modest building. On that occasion, she observed the area known as Khao I-Dae Hill, which originally belonged to Mr. Jehnawa Hama, a resident of Ban Erawan in Waeng District. Around 1961, he was the first to clear and cultivate the once-overgrown forest land in search of farmland. This area later became part of the present settlement.

Later, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra (the Princess Mother) graciously granted Mr. Jehnawa Hama an audience so that he could formally present the land at Khao I-Dae Hill for the construction of a royal residence. In return, she kindly granted him two sacks of rice and 500 Baht.

Mr. Jehnawa Hama was born on 15 January 1915 and passed away on 19 August 1997 at the age of 82. He served as a village advisor and worked as an elephant handler and transport laborer. He had six children—three sons and three daughters:

1. Due-Loh Jehnawa

2. Kamalo Jehnawa

3. Royalee Jehnawa

4. Jewanee Jehnawa

5. Yana Jehnawa

6. Rokeyoh Jehnawa

All of his children later worked in rubber plantations.

In 1965, Mr. Suwan Ruenyos, then Director-General of the Department of Public Welfare, initiated the construction of a royal residence within the settlement to be presented for the use of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra (the Princess Mother) during her royal duties in the area. The Department of Public Welfare provided financial support for the construction.

Construction began in February 1965 under the direction of Mr. Sin Wongphet, the first governor of the Sukhirin Self-Help Settlement, with supervision by Mr. Prawat Rattanachamnong, Head of the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Welfare. The construction took approximately nine months to complete, after which the residence was formally presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra (the Princess Mother).

In 1967, the Princess Mother stayed at the residence and graciously bestowed the name “Sukhirin” upon it, meaning “lush and verdant vegetation,” reflecting the mountainous landscape filled with forests and diverse plant life.

The name “Sukhirin” was later adopted as the official name of the Sukhirin Self-Help Settlement and eventually the district itself. Local residents also refer to the settlement in Malay as “Nikhom Mo Raya” or “Nikhom Jehnawa,” in remembrance of the area’s early pioneer.

• By Private Car: From Narathiwat town, take Highway 4055ผ่าน Ra-ngae and Chanae districts toward Sukhirin District. The palace is located within the Sukhirin Self-Help Settlement area, near the District Office. Directional signs are clearly marked.

• By Public Transport: Take a van from Narathiwat or Sungai Kolok to Sukhirin District. From the district center, hire a local motorcycle taxi to reach the palace, which is located nearby.

• As this is a historically significant site connected to the monarchy, visitors should dress respectfully.

• Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended for cooler weather and beautiful natural lighting for photography.

• Take time to enjoy the surrounding viewpoint overlooking Sukhirin and read the historical information displayed on-site.

• The site can be conveniently combined with visits to Chao Mae To Mo Shrine and the Gold Mine Museum.

Admission Fee:

• Free admission

Opening Hours:

• Open daily for exterior visits and paying respects from 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM (Interior access may be available on special occasions only)