Betong (, ; ; Chinese: 勿洞) is the southernmost district (amphoe) of Yala province, southern Thailand.

Geography

Betong is on the Malaysian border. To the north is Than To, to the east is Chanae, (Narathiwat province). To the south is the Malaysian state of Perak and to the west is Kedah. The highest point of the Sankalakhiri Range (Northern Titiwangsa Mountains), 1,533 m high Ulu Titi Basah (เขาหลวง), is on the Thai–Malaysian border between Betong District and Hulu Perak District of Perak.

History

In the past, this area was under Mueang Raman, Monthon Pattani. It was upgraded to a district in 1868 with the name Yarom. In 1930 the district name was changed to Betong. The name Betong is the Thai corruption of Betung, its original Malay name means 'bamboo'.

Population

In Betong, ethnic Thai Chinese and Thai Malay Muslims both outnumber native Buddhist Thais. At present there are five Chinese organizations.

Economy

Along with highways and roadways, the district is now connected by air with the help of Betong Airport. Currently, no commercial airlines service Betong Airport. The historically difficult travel to the capital district resulted in Betong being the only district in Thailand with its own vehicle registrar and license plate.

Administration

Central administration

Betong is divided into five sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 32 administrative villages (mubans).

Local administration

There is one town (thesaban mueang) in the district: There is one sub-district municipality (thesaban tambon) in the district: There are three sub-district administrative organizations (SAO) in the district:

Gallery