G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Phuket Island has a long recorded history,
and remains dating back to AD 1025 indicate the island's present day name
derives in meaning from the Thamil manikram, or crystal
mountain. For most of history, however,it was known as Junk Ceylon,which,with
variations,is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its
roots in Ptolemy's Geographic, written by the Alexandrian geographer in
the third Century AD He mentioned that in making a trip from suwannapum
to Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jong Si Lang.
Phuket
was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers
stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of Shivite empire
(call in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula
during the first millennium AD Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part
of Srivichai and Siri Tahm empire. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation
of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem,by which it was known to others in those
largely preliterate times, was the dog.
During the sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pah in what
is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch
established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent.
The island's northern and western parts were given over to the tin trade,
a concession in the hands of foreigners.
After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum
in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drive out the Burmese and reunified
the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive.
They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the
populations to slavery in Burma. This led to Phuket's most memorable historic
event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese
were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two
heroines, Kunying Jan,
wife of Phuket's recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. After
a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785.Kunying
Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.
In recognition
King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasarti, a
title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her
sister become Thao Sri Suntorn.
During the
Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work the
tin mines that ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly
Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim
fishermen.
In Rama
V's reign, Phuket became the administrative center of a grape of tin mining
provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1993, with the change in government
from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established
as a province by itself.
Location and
Boundaries
Phuket
is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast,
in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, Thailand's
largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part
of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers.
Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest,
48.7 kilometers. It is bounded thus:
- On
the North: Lies the pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running
side-by-side, the older Sarasin Brides ,and the newer Thao Thep Kraratri
Bridge.
- On
the South: Is the Andaman Sea.
- On
the East:Is Ao Phang-nga Bay(In the jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga
Province).
- On
the West: Is the Andaman Sea.
Economy
Since the early 1980's the tourist business has been Phuket's chief source
of income. Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and souvenir shops are mach
in evidence on the west coast. However, while once all-important tin mining
has ceased, tourism is by no means the is land's only activity. Agriculture
remains important to a large number of people, and covers by far the most
part of the island. Principal crops are rubber, coconuts,cashews,and pineapples.
Prawn farming has largely taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming
is also important. Phuket's fishing port is at all times filled. and processing
of marine products,mainly fish,makes a significant contribution to the economy.
With so
many healthy industries supplying income, construction has become a major
factor in
employment. This ranges
from massive public works projects, large office buildings and hotels, and
housing estates with hundreds of units, down to single family homes, apartments
and additions.
Population
Official
population as of December 31, 1998, was 231,206. This figure numbers those
who are registered as living in Phuket. Phuket's attraction as a center
of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration
is elsewhere. The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending
on the time of year, though it is never less than the figure given above.
Government
The island
is divided into three districts, Talang in the north, Kathu in the west,
and Muang in the south. Thailand's system of government relies upon a
strong central appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the
Nai Amper, or District Chief. The cities of Phuket and Patong have their
own city governments, with elected city councils, the leading members
of which serve as mayor. There are also elected provincial, district,
and sub district, or Tambon councils. The local constabulary is part of
the Interior Ministry.
| Comment |
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Can i have some tourist information please! I need information to go on a tourist leaflet!
Thanku!
Kim 16 October 2007 23:09 |
Very useful info!
bankingcheck@yahoo.com 18 November 2006 06:25 |
i like very very much .we will come back soon
kenny ,nang 27 August 2006 03:27 |
what would the area be called that i would stay at on the west side of phuket? im trying to figure out what hotels are my 2 day options befor i take a boat from phuket to koh similan, and what hotels would be good in koh similan to stay at, any type of direction and help would be greatly appreciated.
thank you
David
simpley_pimpin@hotmail.com 02 May 2006 01:36 |
www.andamanonline.com/phuket/
sandrazocher@tiscali.co.uk 24 April 2006 23:15 |
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General
Information
Muang
District