Hat Yai

Hat Yai was originally a small village known as Khok Sa-Met Choon. It wasn't until the southern railway was constructed that the village began to expand. On July 6, 1922, Hat Yai was officially designated as a city, marking the beginning of its transformation into the largest city in the Songkhla Province. The city played a major role as a transport and trading hub due to its location between Malaysia and Thailand.

On June 19, 1949, Hat Yai was officially designated as a municipality, reflecting its growth and development from a small village into an urban hub. This change in status helped spur further infrastructure development and urban planning, including investments in public transportation and city services. The municipal status enabled better governance and resource allocation to support the growing population and expanding economic activities within the city.

Hat Yai International Airport was opened to commercial operations, providing a major boost to the city's connectivity with other parts of Thailand and international destinations. This development was significant in enhancing Hat Yai's position as a key commercial and tourism hub in southern Thailand, aiding in the economic growth of the region. The airport serves as a gateway for tourists visiting southern Thailand and islands such as Koh Lipe.

Hat Yai Junction railway station underwent a significant expansion in 1985, marking a major development in the city's transport infrastructure. As the largest junction station in southern Thailand, it serves crucial routes that connect with Bangkok to the north and Malaysia to the south. This expansion facilitated increased passenger and goods movement, reinforcing Hat Yai's role as a transport hub and boosting local trade and tourism activity.

Central Festival Hat Yai, one of the biggest shopping centers in southern Thailand, opened its doors to the public on December 15, 1993. This development significantly boosted the local economy by attracting tourists and providing a wide array of shopping and entertainment options. It became a landmark destination in Hat Yai, drawing people not just from Thailand but also neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. The center continues to be a key part of Hat Yai's commercial landscape.

On November 14, 2000, Hat Yai experienced severe flooding due to continuous heavy rainfall and the overflow of the U-Tapao River. This natural disaster led to widespread damage throughout the city and affected thousands of residents. Efforts to manage the floodwaters were complicated by the city's geography. The event highlighted vulnerabilities in the city's infrastructure and prompted initiatives to improve flood defenses.

On April 3, 2005, Hat Yai was rocked by a series of coordinated bomb attacks that targeted the airport, a hotel, and a shopping center. The bombings were part of a broader insurgency in southern Thailand and resulted in the deaths of two people while injuring dozens more. This event marked a rare instance of violence in Hat Yai, a city generally known for its vibrant trade and tourism.

The city of Hat Yai experienced another tragic event on September 16, 2006, when a series of bombs exploded in several commercial areas. This was part of ongoing violence in southern Thailand linked to separatist movements. The bombings resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injured many others. This event was a significant moment in highlighting the security challenges faced in the region.

Hat Yai was hit by severe flooding from late October into November 2010, with November 2 seeing some of the worst inundations. Triggered by days of heavy rainfall, the floods impacted thousands of homes and businesses, disrupting life significantly. The disaster prompted a swift emergency response and highlighted once again the challenges faced by urban areas in managing extreme weather events. Lessons from this were integral in future urban planning and flood preparedness.

A car bomb exploded in the parking lot of the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai on March 31, 2012. The explosion resulted in the deaths of three people and injured over 350 others. This attack was one of the most severe in the city and was attributed to insurgents in the southern region of Thailand. The impact was significant as it hit one of the city's busiest commercial districts.

On August 12, 2016, Hat Yai was one of the locations targeted in a coordinated bombing attack that took place across several towns in southern Thailand. The bombings were executed around key tourist areas, intended to cause maximum disruption. The attack resulted in several injuries but no fatalities in Hat Yai. It was part of a wider series of bombings that shook southern Thailand during a period of heightened tension.