Yala province is recognized for having the most beautiful city planning in Thailand. The skillful planning has contributed to local urban development and a favorable atmosphere for tourism in this southern border province.
The Yala City Municipality was selected as one of the country’s most healthy cities by the World Health Organization in 2000. It was also awarded an honorable mention in the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for 2002-2003.
In the past, Yala was a small community situated near a railway station, surrounded by rubber trees and a forest. City planning in Yala was initiated many years ago by Phra Ratthakitwichan, the 10th governor of Yala, who held this position between 1913 and 1915. He also served as Mayor of the Yala City Municipality twice, from 1937 to 1945.
The Yala City Municipality was laid out by Phra Ratthakitwichan and local officials in 1942, with various roads constructed leading to the center of the city. As for land use, the city is clearly divided into various zones, such as those for educational institutions, government offices, businesses, residential areas, public parks or green belts, agriculture, and industry.
The Yala City Municipality covers an area of 19 square kilometers, with more than 400 roads connecting with one another, like a spider web. All the roads lead to the roundabout of the city pillar shrine. The street signs are written in four languages: Thai, English, Chinese, and Malay.
The other part of the city is in the form of a chessboard. There are pavements along with a drainage system, which sets buildings in the same direction. This arrangement makes Yala a beautiful city, admired by numerous organizations.
The beautiful city planning has been cited as an example of how Yala has been made attractive to visitors, in addition to the many cultural and natural tourist sites in this southern border province.
Source: The Government Public Relations Department