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. Go Top 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.
