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Francis Light served as a Royal Navy midshipman from 1759 to 1763, but went out to seek his fortune in the colonies. From 1765, he worked as a private country trader. For about ten years he had his headquarters in Salang, Thailand, near Phuket, reviving a failed French trading post. While living there he learned to speak and write several languages, including Malay and Siamese.<br/><br/> In 1785, he warned the Thais on Phuket Island of an imminent Burmese attack. Light's warning enabled the islanders to prepare for Phuket's defence and subsequently to repel the Burmese invasion.<br/><br/> For the British East India Company, he leased the island of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah, where many others had failed, and was supposedly given the Princess of Kedah as a reward (other sources state that the Princess was sent to covet Light's aid on behalf of the Sultan). The multicultural colony of Penang became extraordinarily successful from its inception and Light served as the Superintendent of the colony until his death.<br/><br/> Light died from malaria on 21 October 1794 and was buried at the Catholic Cemetery on Northam Road (now Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) in George Town. A statue which bears his name but has the facial features of his son William stands at Fort Cornwallis in George Town.
Francis Light served as a Royal Navy midshipman from 1759 to 1763, but went out to seek his fortune in the colonies. From 1765, he worked as a private country trader. For about ten years he had his headquarters in Salang, Thailand, near Phuket, reviving a failed French trading post. While living there he learned to speak and write several languages, including Malay and Siamese.<br/><br/> In 1785, he warned the Thais on Phuket Island of an imminent Burmese attack. Light's warning enabled the islanders to prepare for Phuket's defence and subsequently to repel the Burmese invasion.<br/><br/> For the British East India Company, he leased the island of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah, where many others had failed, and was supposedly given the Princess of Kedah as a reward (other sources state that the Princess was sent to covet Light's aid on behalf of the Sultan). The multicultural colony of Penang became extraordinarily successful from its inception and Light served as the Superintendent of the colony until his death.<br/><br/> Light died from malaria on 21 October 1794 and was buried at the Catholic Cemetery on Northam Road (now Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) in George Town. A statue which bears his name but has the facial features of his son William stands at Fort Cornwallis in George Town.
Francis Light served as a Royal Navy midshipman from 1759 to 1763, but went out to seek his fortune in the colonies. From 1765, he worked as a private country trader. For about ten years he had his headquarters in Salang, Thailand, near Phuket, reviving a failed French trading post. While living there he learned to speak and write several languages, including Malay and Siamese.<br/><br/> In 1785, he warned the Thais on Phuket Island of an imminent Burmese attack. Light's warning enabled the islanders to prepare for Phuket's defence and subsequently to repel the Burmese invasion.<br/><br/> For the British East India Company, he leased the island of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah, where many others had failed, and was supposedly given the Princess of Kedah as a reward (other sources state that the Princess was sent to covet Light's aid on behalf of the Sultan). The multicultural colony of Penang became extraordinarily successful from its inception and Light served as the Superintendent of the colony until his death.<br/><br/> Light died from malaria on 21 October 1794 and was buried at the Catholic Cemetery on Northam Road (now Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) in George Town. A statue which bears his name but has the facial features of his son William stands at Fort Cornwallis in George Town.
The traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
The traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
The traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
The traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
Wat Chalong in Phuket's Chalong District is delicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were famous for their work in herbal medicine and tending to the ill. During the Phuket tin miners’ rebellion of 1876, they mobilized aid for the injured on both sides. They also mediated in the rebellion, bringing the warring parties together to resolve their dispute. Statues honouring them stand in the sermon hall (viharn) of Wat Chalong.
Francis Light served as a Royal Navy midshipman from 1759 to 1763, but went out to seek his fortune in the colonies. From 1765, he worked as a private country trader. For about ten years he had his headquarters in Salang, Thailand, near Phuket, reviving a failed French trading post. While living there he learned to speak and write several languages, including Malay and Siamese. In 1785, he warned the Thais on Phuket Island of an imminent Burmese attack. Light's warning enabled the islanders to prepare for Phuket's defence and subsequently to repel the Burmese invasion. For the British East India Company, he leased the island of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah, where many others had failed, and was supposedly given the Princess of Kedah as a reward (other sources state that the Princess was sent to covet Light's aid on behalf of the Sultan). The multicultural colony of Penang became extraordinarily successful from its inception and Light served as the Superintendent of the colony until his death.<br/><br/> Light died from malaria on 21 October 1794 and was buried at the Catholic Cemetery on Northam Road (now Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) in George Town. A statue which bears his name but has the facial features of his son William stands at Fort Cornwallis in George Town.<br/><br/> Light had four daughters and two sons with Martina Rozells, who was said to be of Portuguese and Siamese lineage. Martina is occasionally referred to in the literature as the Princess of Kedah, as above. If they were legally married, he did not declare it. However, it was against East India Company rules to marry a Catholic and, as Martina was Catholic, Light may have tried to avoid dismissal by never declaring his marriage. He did leave her his considerable property. Their son, Colonel William Light, was the founder of Adelaide in Australia.<br/><br/>
The ‘Sea Gypsies’ or Moken of the Andaman Sea, known in Thai as chao thalae or ‘people of the sea’, are divided into three groups. They number between 4,000 and 5,000, they live only on the coast, either in huts by the shore, or on craft that ply the coastal waters from the Mergui Archipelago in Burma to the Tarutao Islands in Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> The largest Sea Gypsy group are the Urak Lawoi, numbering around 3,000. They live in simple shacks on beaches stretching south from Phuket to the Tarutao islands and make a living by fishing and beachcombing. Their two largest settlements are at Ko Sirey and Rawai in the southeast of Phuket island.
The ‘Sea Gypsies’ or Moken of the Andaman Sea, known in Thai as chao thalae or ‘people of the sea’, are divided into three groups. They number between 4,000 and 5,000, they live only on the coast, either in huts by the shore, or on craft that ply the coastal waters from the Mergui Archipelago in Burma to the Tarutao Islands in Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> The largest Sea Gypsy group are the Urak Lawoi, numbering around 3,000. They live in simple shacks on beaches stretching south from Phuket to the Tarutao islands and make a living by fishing and beachcombing. Their two largest settlements are at Ko Sirey and Rawai in the southeast of Phuket island.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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 ‘Sea Gypsies’ or Moken of the Andaman Sea, known in Thai as chao thalae or ‘people of the sea’, are divided into three groups. They number between 4,000 and 5,000, they live only on the coast, either in huts by the shore, or on craft that ply the coastal waters from the Mergui Archipelago in Burma to the Tarutao Islands in Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> The largest Sea Gypsy group are the Urak Lawoi, numbering around 3,000. They live in simple shacks on beaches stretching south from Phuket to the Tarutao islands and make a living by fishing and beachcombing. Their two largest settlements are at Ko Sirey and Rawai in the southeast of Phuket island.
Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, born Khaw Sim Bee, was a Thai provincial administrator. He was the youngest of the six sons of Khaw Soo Cheang, a trader from Zhangzhou in China.<br/><br/> As a member of the na Ranong family which held the governor's post in Ranong for generations, Khaw was assigned to become governour of Trang in 1890.<br/><br/> His most significant contribution was the introduction of the rubber tree to Thailand, which at his time was only grown in Malaysia. It has since become one of the major crops of Thailand. He also initiated the connection of Trang with Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung by road as well as the railroad connection to Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the first railroads of Thailand.<br/><br/> In 1902 he was assigned to become the commissioner of Monthon Phuket, where he stayed till his death in 1916. A monument commemorating him was erected in the city of Trang.
The ‘Sea Gypsies’ or Moken of the Andaman Sea, known in Thai as chao thalae or ‘people of the sea’, are divided into three groups. They number between 4,000 and 5,000, they live only on the coast, either in huts by the shore, or on craft that ply the coastal waters from the Mergui Archipelago in Burma to the Tarutao Islands in Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> The largest Sea Gypsy group are the Urak Lawoi, numbering around 3,000. They live in simple shacks on beaches stretching south from Phuket to the Tarutao islands and make a living by fishing and beachcombing. Their two largest settlements are at Ko Sirey and Rawai in the southeast of Phuket island.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Soo Cheang was a Chinese immigrant from Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. He was an officer of the Small Swords Secret Society, which was fighting to restore the Ming Dynasty. In 1810 he arrived in Penang and stayed in Sungai Tiram where he engaged in small-scale vegetable farming. Once a week Khaw Soo Cheang would take his produce down to Jelutong to sell. Khaw Soo Cheang subsequently went into trading and started a small sundries shop business under the name of Koe Guan. Subsequently he started trading up the coast of what is today Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> Khaw Soo Cheang had six sons, of which Khaw Sim Cheng was the eldest, Khaw Sim Kong the second, Khaw Sim Chua the third, Khaw Sim Khim the fourth, Khaw Sim Teik the fifth, and Khaw Sim Bee the sixth. The eldest son Sim Cheng is believed to be the son by his China born wife who remains unknown to the descendants today. Sim Kong, Sim Chua, Sim Khim and Sim teik are the sons of his wife Sit Kim Lean who is venerated by the descendants as the lady ancestor and is buried in Ranong. Sim Bee his youngest son was from one of his Thai Wives.<br/><br/> From trading Khaw Soo Cheang diversified into tin mining, shipping and supplying immigrant labourers. In 1844 he was appointed Royal Collector of tin royalties in the Ranong area, and received the title Luang Ratanasethi. In 1854 King Mongkut made him governor of Ranong and elevated him to the rank of Phra. At the time Ranong was subordinate to Chumphon province, but in 1864 it was elevated to full provincial status, and Khaw Soo Cheang became a Phraya. He successfully defended the new province against being invaded and annexed by the Burmese. The family became close to the Thai royal court, especially Prince Damrong, who stayed at the family home in Penang, which was named Chakrabong in honour of the Thai royal family. in 1872 Khaw Soo Cheang who was then an old man of 81 sailed back to China where he married an 18-year-old girl.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Sim Bee, also known as Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, was governor of Phuket from 1902 until his death in 1916. He is believed to have been the first man to introduce the rubber tree to Thailand.<br/><br/> Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Soo Cheang was a Chinese immigrant from Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. He was an officer of the Small Swords Secret Society, which was fighting to restore the Ming Dynasty. In 1810 he arrived in Penang and stayed in Sungai Tiram where he engaged in small-scale vegetable farming. Once a week Khaw Soo Cheang would take his produce down to Jelutong to sell. Khaw Soo Cheang subsequently went into trading and started a small sundries shop business under the name of Koe Guan. Subsequently he started trading up the coast of what is today Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> Khaw Soo Cheang had six sons, of which Khaw Sim Cheng was the eldest, Khaw Sim Kong the second, Khaw Sim Chua the third, Khaw Sim Khim the fourth, Khaw Sim Teik the fifth, and Khaw Sim Bee the sixth. The eldest son Sim Cheng is believed to be the son by his China born wife who remains unknown to the descendants today. Sim Kong, Sim Chua, Sim Khim and Sim teik are the sons of his wife Sit Kim Lean who is venerated by the descendants as the lady ancestor and is buried in Ranong. Sim Bee his youngest son was from one of his Thai Wives.<br/><br/> From trading Khaw Soo Cheang diversified into tin mining, shipping and supplying immigrant labourers. In 1844 he was appointed Royal Collector of tin royalties in the Ranong area, and received the title Luang Ratanasethi. In 1854 King Mongkut made him governor of Ranong and elevated him to the rank of Phra. At the time Ranong was subordinate to Chumphon province, but in 1864 it was elevated to full provincial status, and Khaw Soo Cheang became a Phraya. He successfully defended the new province against being invaded and annexed by the Burmese. The family became close to the Thai royal court, especially Prince Damrong, who stayed at the family home in Penang, which was named Chakrabong in honour of the Thai royal family. in 1872 Khaw Soo Cheang who was then an old man of 81 sailed back to China where he married an 18-year-old girl.
Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Wat Chalong in Phuket's Chalong District is delicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were famous for their work in herbal medicine and tending to the ill. During the Phuket tin miners’ rebellion of 1876, they mobilized aid for the injured on both sides. They also mediated in the rebellion, bringing the warring parties together to resolve their dispute. Statues honouring them stand in the sermon hall (viharn) of Wat Chalong.
Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1781-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders.<br/><br/> Two sisters - Chan, or 'Date Plum', and Muk, or 'Pearl', the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance by ordering the local women to cut their hair short and dress as men. When the Burmese commander saw the defences, he was fooled into thinking Thalang had many more soldiers than was actually the case!<br/><br/> The court in Bangkok, on learning of the two sister's brave action, distinguished them with royal titles. Miss Chan was named Thepkasatri, or 'Angelic Queen', and Miss Muk became Si Sunthorn, or 'Goddess of Beauty'. Today they are still seen as local folk heroes and spiritual guardians of the island. They stand together on the Heroine's Monument at Thepkasatri Road, brandishing long swords towards any future invaders of the island.
Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1781-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders.<br/><br/> Two sisters - Chan, or 'Date Plum', and Muk, or 'Pearl', the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance by ordering the local women to cut their hair short and dress as men. When the Burmese commander saw the defences, he was fooled into thinking Thalang had many more soldiers than was actually the case!<br/><br/> The court in Bangkok, on learning of the two sister's brave action, distinguished them with royal titles. Miss Chan was named Thepkasatri, or 'Angelic Queen', and Miss Muk became Si Sunthorn, or 'Goddess of Beauty'. Today they are still seen as local folk heroes and spiritual guardians of the island. They stand together on the Heroine's Monument at Thepkasatri Road, brandishing long swords towards any future invaders of the island.
Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1781-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders.<br/><br/> Two sisters - Chan, or 'Date Plum', and Muk, or 'Pearl', the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance by ordering the local women to cut their hair short and dress as men. When the Burmese commander saw the defences, he was fooled into thinking Thalang had many more soldiers than was actually the case!<br/><br/> The court in Bangkok, on learning of the two sister's brave action, distinguished them with royal titles. Miss Chan was named Thepkasatri, or 'Angelic Queen', and Miss Muk became Si Sunthorn, or 'Goddess of Beauty'. Today they are still seen as local folk heroes and spiritual guardians of the island. They stand together on the Heroine's Monument at Thepkasatri Road, brandishing long swords towards any future invaders of the island.
Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1781-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders.<br/><br/> Two sisters - Chan, or 'Date Plum', and Muk, or 'Pearl', the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance by ordering the local women to cut their hair short and dress as men. When the Burmese commander saw the defences, he was fooled into thinking Thalang had many more soldiers than was actually the case!<br/><br/> The court in Bangkok, on learning of the two sister's brave action, distinguished them with royal titles. Miss Chan was named Thepkasatri, or 'Angelic Queen', and Miss Muk became Si Sunthorn, or 'Goddess of Beauty'. Today they are still seen as local folk heroes and spiritual guardians of the island. They stand together on the Heroine's Monument at Thepkasatri Road, brandishing long swords towards any future invaders of the island.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
Khaw Sim Bee, also known as Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, was governor of Phuket from 1902 until his death in 1916. He is believed to have been the first man to introduce the rubber tree to Thailand.<br/><br/> Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Sim Bee, also known as Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, was governor of Phuket from 1902 until his death in 1916. He is believed to have been the first man to introduce the rubber tree to Thailand.<br/><br/> Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Sim Bee, also known as Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, was governor of Phuket from 1902 until his death in 1916. He is believed to have been the first man to introduce the rubber tree to Thailand.<br/><br/> Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Khaw Sim Bee, also known as Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, was governor of Phuket from 1902 until his death in 1916. He is believed to have been the first man to introduce the rubber tree to Thailand.<br/><br/> Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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 traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
The traditional architecture of Phuket Town is distinctively Sino-Thai and Sino-Portuguese. Having been influenced by migrant Chinese settlers from southern China, it shares a great deal with neighboring Straits Chinese settlements architecture in both the Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka, and with Singapore.
Phuket, formerly known as Talang 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 there are no land boundaries.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.