PATANI, an administrative division of Siam, includes the seven Malay states of Nawng Chik, Patani, Jering, Yala, Sai, Raman and Range. Each retains its Malay ruler, who governs jointly with a Siamese officer under the direction of the Siamese high commissioner, and many of the ancient privileges and cus toms of Malay government are preserved. The total area of the combined states is about 5,5oo sq.m. The country is mountainous except close to the coast. The population is about 335,00o, of whom the great majority are Malays. Each state has its capital, but Patani (the headquarters of the high commissioner) is the only town of importance. Communications are poor and are chiefly by river. The area under cultivation is small except round about Patani and in Nawng Chik, where much rice is grown. Tin mining is a growing industry ; many Chinese own mines and sev eral European syndicates are at work prospecting for, or mining, this metal. Fishing and salt-evaporation occupy a large propor
tion of the population. The annual export of tin is about 400 tons, and dried fish, salt, cattle and elephants are other exports. Steamers up to 30o tons maintain frequent communication with Bangkok and Singapore, and the Patani roads afford good anchor age at all seasons. Mohammedan law is followed in the settlement of inherited property disputes and of matrimonial affairs; other wise the laws of Siam obtain. Law courts have been established in each state, and there is a force of gendarmerie recruited from amongst Malays and Siamese alike. The revenue amounts to about 600,000 ticals, or £45,000 a year, one-third being payable to the rulers as private income for themselves and their relatives, one-third expended on the administration, and one-third reserved for special purposes, but usually also devoted to administration.