Former deputy governor of Thailand’s Narathiwat and Yala provinces, Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, has become the first female Muslim governor of Pattani province, in an appointment approved by the cabinet yesterday (Tuesday).
Her appointment has been welcomed by many people in the restive Pattani province, including “We Peace”, a network of women dedicated to the restoration of peace in the country’s Deep South.
Assistant Professor Chiraphan Sema, a former lecturer at the Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani Campus, said that Pateemoh’s appointment is good news for people in Pattani, as she is smart, has extensive experience and a good understanding of the problems in the southern region.
57-year-old Pateemoh entered government service at the Ministry of Interior in 1993 and has served in several southern provinces, including Ranong, Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Phatthalung, and at the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre as the director of the central administration office.
She was deputy governor of Phatthalung, Narathiwat and Yala provinces before being promoted to the first female Muslim governor of Pattani.
