Located
approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket,
Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the
pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural
resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery
beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests
contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest,
most visited and most popular island and province.
Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern
part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean,
the province covers an area of approximately 543 square
kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that
Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square
kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The
islands total length, from north to south, is estimated
at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other
3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where
many of the best diving sites are located. The island is
connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep
Krasattri Bridge.
Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons
in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot
season (November to April). Visitors are not recommended
to travel to Phuket between September and October as they
are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is
from November to February, when it is possible to see the
clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at
the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed
beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23?C and 33?C.
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its
area covered with mountains which stretch from north to
south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located
in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island
does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks
and creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely
Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its
natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world
renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts
its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style
hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all
walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from
world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly
catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood
lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's
famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made
Phuket a truly unique destination.
History of Phuket
Most
geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was
once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical
formations gradually changed the capes location, finally
detaching it from the mainland.
A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first
person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the
year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon,
which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present
site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang,
which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the
north of the island.
As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons,
Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia,
Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the
island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese,
Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island.
This contributed to making the development of mining so
unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated
to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.
Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe,
Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious
immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to
work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors
admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city
especially those buildings located along the Thalang and
Yaowarat Roads.
Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded
the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of
Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who
united local residents and successfully fought and drove
the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the
defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and
Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic
deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao
Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor
them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection,
12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They
are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.
However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing
Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga
and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish
a town and established a rice farming community. On the
other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket
City today) was developed and became a tin trading center.
When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted
more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In
1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative
unit under the supervision of the central administrative
body (located in Bangkok).
In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman
who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket
was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve
the welfare of local residents and set up the market system
in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.
The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate
economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the
price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources,
Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great
potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a
destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.
The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket
of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture,
architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately
35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims,
it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples)
located next to Mosques.
Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand
