The former deputy governor of Narathiwat and Yala provinces, Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, has become the first female Muslim governor of Pattani in an appointment approved by the cabinet this week.
The 57-year-old was among 37 senior Interior Ministry officials whose appointments were endorsed by the cabinet during its weekly meeting on Tuesday.
Born on Nov 19, 1965, Ms Pateemoh, a native of Yala, obtained a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Management Science, Prince of Songkla University, and a master's degree from the Graduate School of Social Development and Management Strategy, National Institute of Development Administration.
She joined the civil service in 1993 and worked in several southern provinces, including Ranong, Yala and Pattani. She also served as director of the central administrative office under the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre.
Ms Pateemoh served as deputy governor of Phatthalung, Narathiwat, and Yala provinces before being promoted to Pattani governor.
Her appointment was widely welcomed by state officials, Muslim religious leaders and residents in Phatthalung, Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, who see her as a positive role model for Thai Muslims.
Abdulashi Dueramae, chairman of the Kabang tambon administrative organisation in Yala's Kabang district, said people in the three southernmost provinces welcomed the news and appreciated the fact that the government recognised her work and ability.
Makoseng Samoh, a village head in tambon Kabang, said people in Yala and Narathiwat were also delighted by the news.
Abdulmasen Sa-u, the tambon Kabang chief, said it marked an exciting new milestone for people in the three southernmost provinces.
The unrest in Pattani is one of the challenges facing the new governor, whose promotion coincided with two bomb blasts there Tuesday night.
Officials said the first occurred at 8.05pm at a PTT station on Highway 42 in tambon Bana of Muang district, injuring a petrol station attendant. The other went off at a PT petrol station on Highway 42 in Yaring district.