Yala is the southernmost province of Thailand, covering an area of 4521 square kilometers. It is the only landlocked province in the south. Yala is now the border province with many interesting facets: history, culture and beautiful landscapes. The province has a unique blend of cultural heritage of various groups - Thai, Chinese, and Islam. The city center has systematic town planning and is one of the schools in the south too.

The word derives from the word Yala yalo meaning fish net. Yala was often part of Pattani, a colony of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. In B.E. 2310 when Ayutthaya fell to the Burman, southern colonies became independent. During the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Dynasty, the King sent his brother, Khrom Phra Maha Ratchawangbowon to take Surasihanat Pattani. In B.E. 2351, King had Pattani separated into 7 smaller colonies, namely Muang Pattani, Muang Sai Buri, Muang Nong Chik, Muang Yaring, Ra Ngae Muang, Muang Raman, and Muang Yala. Yala had changed its rulers many times before Monthon was abolished in BE 2476 and finally became one of the provinces (Changwat) of Thailand.