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Phuket Information  

 

Phuket, formerly known as Talang (Tha-Laang) and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang, i.e. "Cape Salang"), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island with no land boundaries.

Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. The region now derives much of its income from tourism.

The name Phuket is apparently derived from the word bukit in Malay which means "hill", as this is what the island appears like from a distance. The region was formerly referred to as "Thalang," derived from the old Malay "Telong" which means "Cape". The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name.

In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents 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 Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk of life.

Getting to Know:

1. Phuket is located approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.

2. There are only two seasons in a year the green season ( May to October) and the hot season (November to April)

3. Phuket is divided into 3 adminstrative districts: namely, amphoe Mueng, Amphoe Thaland and Amphoe Kathu.

 

About Thailand

Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. It's shape and geography divided into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

 

 

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