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.
