SONGKHLA

also called Singora, city, southern Thailand, located on the eastern coast of peninsular Thailand. Songkhla is a port at the outlet of Luang Lagoon. It is a regional centre for the Gulf of Thailand coastal area and is commercially oriented to Malaysia and Singapore. Rubber, tin, coconuts, peanuts (groundnuts), edible birds' nests, and forest and fish products are exported from its roadstead harbour. On a rail spur from Hat Yai, Songkhla is also served by an airport. Educational facilities include the Prince of Songkla University (1964) and the Southern Technical Institute. The city is a popular tourist centre, with beaches and parks. Pop. (1986 est.) 84,738.