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Phuket History
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Change is inevitable, and necessary to keep
the culture and society alive and full of vitality.
However, change should come slowly
and gradually; all cultures, old and new, have
their dangers, with problems to be solved. To
adopt new cultures which are wholly unsuited
to the particular needs and characteristics
of the place and its people, is a dangerous
game. Cultures are best kept varied, with a
happy blend of characteristics and traditions
which harmonize with the whole. Where better
can this be seen, than in Phuket, where a colourful
and vibrant history has led to a diverse
mix of peoples, cultures and religions living
peacefully side-by-side. |
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History in a Nutshell |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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, |
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the area to the
south of the island (Phuket City today)
was developed and became a tin
trading center. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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
guests with great experiences. |
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The islands history has shaped the
distinctive Phuket of the present with
its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural
influence, and fine cuisine. With
about 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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