Summary of Phuket

History Of Phuket

Phuket or known as ‘Pearl of the south” is the largest Island in the west coasts of Thailand in the Andaman sea. The name “Phuket” came from Malay word, which means “hill”. The island used to be known as Junk Ceylon in European chart.

Phuket was attacked by the burmese in 1785, so the two sisters called Lady Chan and Lady Muk fight against Burmese and won the battle. And after the war, king rama I show his appreciation of the two sisters by giving them the honorary and titles of Thao Thepkasattri Thao Sri Sunthorn. After lady Chan and Lady Muk passed away King Rama VI had an idea to build a monuments for the two sisters, so whenever Thai people drive past the monuments they will pay respect by putting theri hands together.

Phuket is first  mentioned  as a major source of tin in sixth century but nowadays tin mining industry has already disappeared and become less because of the collapse in tin prices. In the twenties century large area of phuket were cleared for doing Rubber plantation and now we can still  see the rubber plantation in Phuket.

In the 1970’s, tourism began with the first beach bungalows in Patong. Phuket has a clear beaches and warm water so it attract traveller from other countries, and making phuket one of the most popular travel place in South East Asia. One of the most famous place in Phuket is patong. Also in the 1967’s, Sarasin bridge was link to Phang Nga which make more visitors come and visit Phuket.

Thailand was hit by Tsunami caused by Indian ocean earthquakes on 26 december 2004 or known as a boxing day. In West coast of Phuket such as Patong, Karon, Kamala and Kata beach was hit  by Tsunami, 259 including tourist were reported dead and total of injured is 1,111.

The sea Gypsies or Chao Lei spend their lives living on the boat.They will do fishing, men will practice diving and women will take care their children and home. They normally make money by selling shells and pearls. Some people believe that they came from India and some said that they are from Burma from the Muslim invasion. Today, they have their own religions. They believe that they need to bring dead people to the death islands so their souls can live forever, Also “Loy Ruea festival” by releasing a wooden boats to the sea which they believe that releasing wooden boats will get rid of the bad thing so they can live in peace and happily.