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 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 it’s
39 other small islands are included. The island’s 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, however,
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
Mueang, 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 cape’s 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 island’s 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.
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