Hat Yai, Commercial city in Southern Thailand
Hat Yai is the largest urban settlement in southern Thailand, classified as a thesaban nakhon. The city spreads across several districts and serves as the economic center of the region.
The settlement grew from a small village called Khok Samet Chun after the southern railway was built in the 1910s. The rail connection to Malaysia brought traders and investors, transforming the place into a commercial hub.
The city maintains strong Chinese influences through its annual festivals, markets, and large population of Thai-Chinese residents who shape the local traditions.
Hat Yai Junction railway station connects travelers to Malaysia and Singapore through several daily trains. The international airport lies about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of the city center and offers connections to most major Thai cities.
The temple Wat Hat Yai Nai houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world, which visitors can explore from the inside. People walk through a narrow corridor within the body of the statue and view wall paintings along the way.
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