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Phuket (; , , or ''Tongkah'') is one of the southern provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. Phuket lies off the west coast of mainland
Thailand Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
in the
Andaman Sea The Andaman Sea (historically also known as the Burma Sea) is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and separated f ...
. Phuket Island is connected by the Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga province to the north. The next nearest province is Krabi, to the east across Phang Nga Bay. Phuket province, encompassing an area of , ranks as the second-smallest province in Thailand. Its size is about two-thirds the size of
Singapore Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
. Historically, Phuket Island was situated on a major trading route between India and China. This strategic location led to its frequent mention of foreign ships in the logs, including those from Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England. Despite this attention from various European powers, Phuket was never colonized by any European nation. Economically, the province's wealth was initially derived from
tin Tin is a chemical element; it has symbol Sn () and atomic number 50. A silvery-colored metal, tin is soft enough to be cut with little force, and a bar of tin can be bent by hand with little effort. When bent, a bar of tin makes a sound, the ...
and
rubber Rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, ''caucho'', or ''caoutchouc'', as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Types of polyisoprene ...
production. Recently, Phuket has transitioned to
tourism Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the Commerce, commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as ...
as its primary source of income. More than 100,000 foreigners are estimated to have settled in Phuket.


Toponymy

The name "Phuket" (of which the digraph ''ph'' represents an aspirated ) is derived from the corruption of the word ''Bukit'' ( Jawi: ) in Malay which means "hill", as this is what the island appears like from a distance. With its geographical location in the
Malay Peninsula The Malay Peninsula is located in Mainland Southeast Asia. The landmass runs approximately north–south, and at its terminus, it is the southernmost point of the Asian continental mainland. The area contains Peninsular Malaysia, Southern Tha ...
, Phuket was historically inhabited by the Austronesian Malays, before it was settled by the Thais due to southward expansions of Siamese kingdoms, most recently the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Phuket was formerly known as Thalang ( ''Tha-Laang''), which is also derived from the old Malay ''Telong'' ( Jawi: ) which means "cape". The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name. In Western sources and navigation charts, it was known as Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay ''Tanjung Salang''; Jawi: ; i.e., "Cape Salang").Smithies, Michael (2002), Three military accounts of the 1688 "Revolution" in Siam, Itineria Asiatica, Orchid Press, Bangkok,


History


16th–18th century: European contact

Fernão Mendes Pinto Fernão Mendes Pinto (; 1509 – 8 July 1583) was a Portuguese people, Portuguese explorer and writer. His voyages are recorded in ''Pilgrimage'' (), his autobiographical memoir, which was published posthumously in 1614. The historical accura ...
, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in
Siam Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
in 1545. His travel accounts provide insights into various parts of the country, including a detailed description of ports in the southern part of the Kingdom. Pinto's records are among the earliest European accounts to mention Phuket, which he referred to as ''Junk Ceylon'' a name used by the Portuguese in their maps. This designation appears seven times in his writings. According to Pinto, Junk Ceylon was a significant port of call for trading vessels, where they often stopped for supplies and provisions. However, Pinto noted that during the mid-16th century, the island's prominence was in decline. This downturn was attributed to the presence of pirates and the challenging sea conditions, which made the area less favorable for merchant vessels. In addition to Phuket, Pinto's accounts also include references to other important port cities of the time, such as Patani and Ligor, the latter being the present-day Nakhon Si Thammarat. During the 17th century, Junk Ceylon (now known as Phuket) was a focal point of international trade, particularly for its tin resources. The Dutch and English, and later the French after the 1680s, competed for trading opportunities on the island. In September 1680, the French East India Company's ship arrived at the island and departed with a cargo full of
tin Tin is a chemical element; it has symbol Sn () and atomic number 50. A silvery-colored metal, tin is soft enough to be cut with little force, and a bar of tin can be bent by hand with little effort. When bent, a bar of tin makes a sound, the ...
. To diminish Dutch and English influence in the region, the Siamese King
Narai King Narai the Great (, , ) or Ramathibodi III ( ) was the 27th monarch of Ayutthaya Kingdom, the 4th and last monarch of the Prasat Thong dynasty. He was the king of Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1656 to 1688 and arguably the most famous king of the ...
appointed a French medical missionary, Brother René Charbonneau of the Société des Missions Étrangères, as the governor of Junk Ceylon. Charbonneau held this position until 1685. King Narai, in 1685, granted the French a tin monopoly in Phuket, formalized through an agreement with the French ambassador, the Chevalier de Chaumont. Subsequently, Sieur de Billy, previously the
maître d'hôtel The ; ), head waiter, host, waiter captain, or ''maître d'' ( , ) manages the public part, or "front of the house", of a formal restaurant. The responsibilities of a ''maître d'hôtel'' generally include supervising the waiting staff, welcom ...
for Chaumont, was appointed as the governor of the island. However, following the Siamese revolution in 1688, the French presence in Siam was significantly reduced. On 10 April 1689, Desfarges led a military expedition to recapture Thalang in an attempt to re-establish French control in the region. This occupation was short-lived, with Desfarges returning to Puducherry in January 1690.


1785: Burmese invasion

Before the Burmese assault on Thalang in 1785, during what is known as the "Nine Armies' Wars",
Francis Light Francis Light ( – 21 October 1794) was a British sailor and explorer best known for founding the colony of Penang and its capital city of George Town in 1786. Light was the father of William Light, who founded the city of Adelaide in South A ...
, a captain with the
British East India Company The East India Company (EIC) was an English, and later British, joint-stock company that was founded in 1600 and dissolved in 1874. It was formed to Indian Ocean trade, trade in the Indian Ocean region, initially with the East Indies (South A ...
, alerted the authorities in Phuket of the impending Burmese attack. Light's warning came at a time when the island's military governor had recently passed away, leading the Burmese to believe that Phuket could be easily conquered. However,
Than Phu Ying Honorifics (linguistics), Honorifics are a class of words or grammatical morphemes that encode a wide variety of social relationships between interlocutors or between interlocutors and referents.Foley, William. ''Anthropological Linguistics: An In ...
Chan, the widow of the deceased governor, along with her sister Mook (คุณมุก), devised a strategic defense. They instructed the women of the island to dress as soldiers and position themselves along the walls of Thalang City. This ruse led the Burmese to overestimate the strength of the island's defenses, prompting them to abort their attack and eventually retreat after a month-long siege, which ended on 13 March 1785. In recognition of their bravery and ingenuity,
King Rama I Phutthayotfa Chulalok (born Thongduang; 20 March 1737 – 7 September 1809), also known by his regnal name Rama I, was the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom (now Thailand) and the first King of Siam from the reigning Chakri dynasty. He asce ...
bestowed the titles Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon upon the two sisters, celebrating them as heroines of Phuket. The official
seal Seal may refer to any of the following: Common uses * Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals, many of which are commonly called seals, particularly: ** Earless seal, also called "true seal" ** Fur seal ** Eared seal * Seal ( ...
of Phuket features a depiction of the Two Heroines Monument, located along Highway 402 in
Phuket Phuket (; , , or ''Tongkah'') is one of the Southern Thailand, southern Provinces of Thailand, provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, List of islands of Thailand, the country's largest island, and another 3 ...
, in honor of the sisters. Encircled by a traditional Thai
kranok pattern Kranok pattern (, ) is a Thai motif pattern. It appears in many Thai artworks such as Tripiṭaka cabinets, the doors of Thai temples, and coffins. According to the Royal Institute Dictionary in 1982, Kranok refers to a pattern of lines. However, ...
, This seal has been in use since 1985.


19th–20th centuries

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, from 1 October 1868 to 23 October 1910, Phuket was designated as the administrative center for the tin-producing southern provinces of Siam (now Thailand). King Chulalongkorn's tenure is noted for the modernization of the nation, encompassing governmental and social reforms, as well as negotiations involving territorial concessions to the British and French. Amid the pressures of Western expansionism during this period, King Chulalongkorn's leadership is credited with maintaining Siam's sovereignty and averting colonization. In 1876, there was a significant uprising among Chinese laborers working in the tin mines of Phuket and its neighboring provinces. The unrest was reportedly influenced by the declining prices of tin and the government's stringent fiscal policies at the time. Phuket underwent another administrative change in 1933 when ''
Monthon ''Monthon'' (), also known as ''Monthon Thesaphiban'' (; Mṇṯhl Theṣ̄āp̣hibāl; , ), were Administrative divisions of Thailand, administrative subdivisions of Thailand at the beginning of the 20th century. The Thai word ''monthon'' is a tr ...
Phuket'' (มณฑลภูเก็ต) was dissolved, leading to Phuket's establishment as a separate province.


21st century (2001–present)

On 26 December 2004, Phuket, along with other areas on Thailand's west coast, experienced significant devastation due to a
tsunami A tsunami ( ; from , ) is a series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and underwater explosions (including detonations, ...
triggered by an
earthquake An earthquakealso called a quake, tremor, or tembloris the shaking of the Earth's surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those so weak they ...
off the coast of
Sumatra Sumatra () is one of the Sunda Islands of western Indonesia. It is the largest island that is fully within Indonesian territory, as well as the list of islands by area, sixth-largest island in the world at 482,286.55 km2 (182,812 mi. ...
,
Indonesia Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
. This natural disaster had far-reaching impacts, resulting in approximately 5,300 fatalities in Thailand and causing extensive damage and loss of life across South and Southeast Asia, totaling around two hundred thousand deaths. In Phuket, around 250 individuals, including foreign tourists, were reported deceased. Major beaches on Phuket's west coast, including Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata, suffered substantial damage, as did some resorts and communities along the island's southern shores. Notably, the Takua Pa District in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket, was among Thailand's most severely affected areas, with significant casualties, including a considerable number of Burmese laborers. In response to the tsunami disaster, Thailand initiated the installation of a series of tsunami-detection buoys in December 2006. These buoys, part of a regional warning system in the
Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or approximately 20% of the water area of Earth#Surface, Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia (continent), ...
, are located approximately offshore, positioned between
Thailand Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
and
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, also known historically as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian subcontinent, ...
. In early 2020, the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
reached Phuket. By March of that year, Phuket and other regions in
Southern Thailand Southern Thailand (formerly Southern Siam and Tambralinga) is the southernmost cultural region of Thailand, separated from Central Thailand by the Kra Isthmus. Geography Southern Thailand is on the Malay Peninsula, with an area of around , bo ...
implemented lockdown measures, including
stay-at-home order A stay-at-home order, safer-at-home order, movement control order – also referred to by loose use of the terms quarantine, isolation, or lockdown – is an order from a government authority that restricts movements of a population as a mass qu ...
s, a mandate for mask-wearing, and
social distancing In public health, social distancing, also called physical distancing, (NB. Regula Venske is president of the PEN Centre Germany.) is a set of non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures intended to prevent the spread of a contagious dise ...
protocols. While these measures were relatively effective in controlling the spread of the virus, they had a significant impact on Phuket's tourism-dependent economy. By 2022, Thailand transitioned towards the post-pandemic phase, marking the end of the country's intensive COVID-19 response measures. The murder of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, a Swiss national on holiday, occurred in Phuket in August 2021.


Symbols

The provincial slogan is "Pearl of the Andaman. Heavenly City of the South. Golden beaches. Two heroines. Virtue of Luang Pho Chaem." The provincial seal and flag show the monument of the heroic sisters Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. The provincial tree is '' Pterocarpus indicus'', and the provincial flower is ''
Bougainvillea ''Bougainvillea'' ( , ) is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the family, Nyctaginaceae. They are native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Argentina. There are between 4 and 22 species in the genus. The i ...
'' sp. Phuket is an important
pearl A pearl is a hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle (mollusc), mantle) of a living Exoskeleton, shelled mollusk or another animal, such as fossil conulariids. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pear ...
cultivation area and is also nicknamed Pearl of the Andaman. On the ground, the
pearl oyster ''Pinctada'' is a genus of saltwater oysters, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pteriidae. These pearl oysters have a strong inner shell layer composed of nacre, also known as "mother of pearl". Pearl oysters are not closely related to ...
''
Pinctada maxima ''Pinctada maxima'' is a species of pearl oyster, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Pteriidae, the pearl oysters. There are two different color varieties: the Gold-lipped oyster and the Silver-lipped oyster. These bivalves are the largest ...
'' is the provincial aquatic animal.


Geography

Phuket Island (Ko Phuket), the largest island in Thailand, is situated in the southern part of the country, within the
Andaman Sea The Andaman Sea (historically also known as the Burma Sea) is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and separated f ...
. The island is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with a mountain range extending from the north to the south along its western side. This range is part of the larger Phuket mountain range, which spans approximately from the
Kra Isthmus The Kra Isthmus (, ; ), also called the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, is the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula. The western part of the isthmus belongs to Ranong Province and the eastern part to Chumphon Province, both in Southern Thailan ...
. The island's highest point is traditionally cited as Khao Mai Thao Sip Song, with an altitude of above sea level. However, there are reports suggesting the presence of an unnamed peak in the Kamala Hills, behind Kathu Waterfall, which may reach an elevation of 542 meters above sea level. As per the 2000 census, Phuket's population was 249,446, which increased to 525,709 by the 2010 census. This marked the highest growth rate of all provinces in Thailand, averaging 7.4 percent annually. The current population of Phuket is estimated to be around 600,000, comprising a diverse mix of migrants, international expatriates, Thais registered in other provinces, and local inhabitants. However, the official registered population, which counts only those included in a ''thabian ban'' or house registration book, was reported as 360,905 at the end of 2012. It's important to note that this figure does not encompass all residents, as many are not registered in the house registration system. Phuket Island, situated approximately south of
Bangkok Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estim ...
, spans an area of , not accounting for its smaller islets. It is accompanied by several other islands including Ko Lone (), Ko Maprao (), Ko Naka Yai (), Ko Racha Noi (), Ko Racha Yai (), and Ko Sire, the second largest, covering . The island measures in length from north to south, and its width extends to .Phuket Town Treasure Map
www.phuket-maps.com
Around 60 percent of Phuket Island is covered with forests, rubber, and palm oil plantations. Its west coast is adorned with several sandy beaches, while the east coast features predominantly muddy beaches. The southernmost tip of the island is marked by Laem Phromthep ( "Brahma's Cape"), known for being a popular viewpoint. In the northern, more mountainous part of the island, the Khao Phra Thaeo No-Hunting Area spans over , dedicated to preserving
rainforest Rainforests are forests characterized by a closed and continuous tree Canopy (biology), canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforests can be generally classified as tropi ...
ecosystems. This reserve's three highest peaks include Khao Prathiu (), Khao Bang Pae (), and Khao Phara (). Additionally, the Sirinat National Park on the northwest coast, established in 1981, encompasses an area of , including of marine area. This park is significant for encompassing the Nai Yang Beach, a nesting site for
sea turtle Sea turtles (superfamily Chelonioidea), sometimes called marine turtles, are reptiles of the order Testudines and of the suborder Cryptodira. The seven existing species of sea turtles are the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerh ...
s. The total forested area of Phuket is approximately , accounting for 20.6 percent of the province's total area. File:In Phuket when the Sun goes down, the City starts to rock! (4973896467).jpg, Patong Beach is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket Island File:Phuket, Thailand (Unsplash xE5vmelyM6k).jpg,
Jellyfish Jellyfish, also known as sea jellies or simply jellies, are the #Life cycle, medusa-phase of certain gelatinous members of the subphylum Medusozoa, which is a major part of the phylum Cnidaria. Jellyfish are mainly free-swimming marine animal ...
at Phuket File:Bryde´s whale.jpg,
Bryde's whale Bryde's whale ( ), or the Bryde's whale complex, putatively comprises three species of rorqual and possibly four. The "complex" means the number and classification remain unclear because of a lack of definitive information and research. The c ...
swims off the Islands File:Small crab on sand beach (Unsplash).jpg, Small crab on the sand beach at Phuket File:Sunset NaiYang.jpg, Beautiful sunset on Nai Yang beach in northern Phuket File:Thailand 2010 - panoramio (1).jpg, View from Krom Luang Chumpon monument


Climate

Phuket, characterized by a
tropical monsoon climate An area of tropical monsoon climate (occasionally known as a sub-equatorial, tropical wet climate or a tropical monsoon and trade-wind littoral climate) is a tropical climate subtype that corresponds to the Köppen climate classification category ' ...
under the
Köppen climate classification The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...
, experiences relatively uniform temperatures throughout the year due to its equatorial location. The region typically observes an average annual high temperature around and an average annual low around . The climate of Phuket is divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season extending from December through March, and a wet season that spans the remaining eight months of the year. Notably, even during the dry season, Phuket is subject to occasional rainfall. On average, the city receives approximately of rainfall annually.


Demographics

In Thailand,
Buddhism Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...
is the predominant religion, with a notable presence in Phuket. Approximately 20% of Phuket's population adheres to
Islam Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...
, primarily descendants of the island's original Austronesian inhabitants. This
Muslim Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
community includes a substantial number of individuals of Malay descent. The ethnic composition of Phuket also includes a significant proportion of people of Chinese ancestry, many of whom are descendants of tin miners who migrated to the island during the 19th century. The
Peranakan The Peranakan Chinese () are an ethnic group defined by their genealogical descent from the first waves of Southern Chinese settlers to maritime Southeast Asia, known as Nanyang (region), Nanyang (), namely the British Empire, British, Portugu ...
community, locally referred to as "Phuket Babas", forms a distinct part of this Chinese demographic, with historical links to the Peranakans of
Penang Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia along the Strait of Malacca. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. Th ...
and
Malacca Malacca (), officially the Historic State of Malacca (), is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state in Malaysia located in the Peninsular Malaysia#Other features, southern region of the Malay Peninsula, facing the Strait of Malacca ...
. According to the preliminary results of the 2010 census, Phuket had a population of 525,018, including approximately 115,881 expatriates, accounting for 21.1% of the total population. However, these figures may not be entirely accurate, as the Phuket Provincial Employment Office has recorded over 64,000 legally residing workers from Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and Cambodia, suggesting a higher actual population. The Thai census of 2015 reported a population of 386,605 for Phuket. During peak tourist seasons, Phuket experiences a significant influx of visitors, with the population increasing to over one million. Tourists, predominantly from Western Europe, China, Russia, and the United States, are drawn to the island around Christmas, contributing to this seasonal population increase.


Religion


Administrative divisions


Provincial government

Phuket is divided into three districts (''
amphoe An amphoe (sometimes also ''amphur'', , )—usually translated as "district"—is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Groups of ''amphoe'' or districts make up the Provinces of Thailand, provinces, and are analogous to count ...
''), which are further divided into 17 subdistricts (''
tambon ''Tambon'' (, ) is a local governmental unit in Thailand. Below district (''amphoe'') and province ('' changwat''), they form the third administrative subdivision level. there were 7,255 tambons, not including the 180 ''khwaeng'' of Bangkok, whi ...
''), and 103 villages (''
muban Muban (; , ) is the lowest Administrative divisions of Thailand, administrative sub-division of Thailand. Usually translated as 'village' and sometimes as 'hamlet (place), hamlet', they are a subdivision of a tambon (subdistrict). , there were 74 ...
'').


Local government

As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (') and 12 municipal (''thesaban'') areas in the province. Phuket has city (''
thesaban nakhon Thesaban (, , , Pali: desapāla (protector of region) are the municipalities of Thailand. There are three levels of municipalities: city, town, and sub-district. Bangkok and Pattaya are special municipal entities not included in the ''thesaban'' ...
'') status. Kathu and Patong have town (''
thesaban mueang Thesaban (, , , Pali: desapāla (protector of region) are the municipalities of Thailand. There are three levels of municipalities: city, town, and sub-district. Bangkok and Pattaya are special municipal entities not included in the ''thesaban'' ...
'') status. Further 9 subdistrict municipalities (''
thesaban tambon Thesaban (, , , Pali, Pali: desapāla (protector of region) are the municipalities of Thailand. There are three levels of municipalities: city, town, and sub-district. Bangkok and Pattaya are special municipal entities not included in the ''thesa ...
''). The non-municipal areas are administered by six Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (SAO; ''ongkan borihan suan tambon''). File:Phuket Thailand Landsat 7 Photo 2000.jpg, Satellite photo, Dec 2000 File:Karte Golf von Thailand - Phuket.png


Economy

Tin mining Tin mining began early in the Bronze Age, as bronze is a copper-tin alloy. Tin is a relatively rare element in the Earth's crust, with approximately 2 ppm (parts per million), compared to iron with 50,000 ppm. History Tin extraction and use ca ...
historically played a pivotal role in the economy of Phuket from the 16th century until its decline in the 20th century. In contemporary times, the economy of Phuket is primarily supported by two sectors:
rubber tree ''Hevea brasiliensis'', the Pará rubber tree, ''sharinga'' tree, seringueira, or most commonly, rubber tree or rubber plant, is a flowering plant belonging to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, originally native to the Amazon basin, but is now p ...
plantations, contributing significantly to Thailand's status as the world's leading rubber producer, and the
tourism Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the Commerce, commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as ...
industry. The development of Phuket's tourism sector began in earnest in the 1980s, with the west coast beaches, notably Patong, Karon, and Kata, emerging as key tourist destinations. Following the 2004 tsunami, efforts were made to restore all affected buildings and attractions. The island has since undergone extensive development, evidenced by the construction of new hotels, apartments, and houses. In a 2005 report by Fortune Magazine, Phuket was listed among the top five global retirement destinations. The island's appeal as a retirement location is attributed to various factors, including its climate, lifestyle, and amenities. The year 2017 marked a significant influx of tourists to Phuket, with the island welcoming approximately 10 million visitors, predominantly from overseas. China was noted as the primary source of these foreign tourists. The tourism sector in Phuket played a crucial role in Thailand's economy, generating about 385 billion
baht The baht (; , ; currency sign, sign: ฿; ISO 4217, code: THB) is the official currency of Thailand. It is divided into 100 ''satang'' (, ). Prior to decimalisation, the baht was divided into eight ''fueang'' (, ), each of eight ''at'' (, ). The ...
in revenue, which constituted nearly 14% of the nation's total earnings of 2.77 trillion baht in that year. In the first half of 2019, Phuket experienced a decrease in tourist arrivals, which impacted the local hospitality industry. This trend was marked by reduced hotel occupancy rates and intensified price competition among accommodations. Consequently, there was a noted decrease in revenue per available room ( RevPAR). Analysts attribute this downturn to a combination of fewer tourists and an oversupply of hotel rooms. However, despite the decline in tourist numbers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported a 3.1% increase in tourism revenues for the same period. Estimates of the total number of hotel rooms in Phuket vary. According to Oxfam, Phuket has approximately 60,000 hotel rooms to cater to its 9.1 million annual visitors. Contrasting figures were presented in reports by the Bangkok Post in September 2019. One report indicated that Phuket has around 600 hotels comprising 40,000 rooms. A separate report from three weeks earlier estimated 93,941 available hotel rooms, excluding villas and hostels, with an expectation of an additional 15,000 rooms by 2024. These varying figures highlight the difficulty in accurately quantifying the total number of hotel accommodations in the region. In 2023, Phuket experienced a 15% increase in property prices with demand driven by an influx of Russian and Ukrainian nationals. The number of luxury villas launched in Phuket during the first six months of 2023 surged 12 times to 541 units worth a total 29.6 billion baht, from 45 units valued at 886 million baht the previous year. As Thailand moves to legalize gambling, Phuket is expected to be one of the locations of an
integrated resort A casino hotel is an establishment consisting of a casino with temporary lodging provided in an on-premises hotel. Customers receive the benefits of both gambling facilities and lodging. Since the casino and hotel are located on the same premis ...
.


Transportation

; Air Phuket International Airport (HKT) initiated an expansion project in September 2012, with an allocated budget of 5.7 billion baht (approximately US$185.7 million). This expansion, which was scheduled for completion by 14 February 2016, aimed to increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from 6.5 million to 12.5 million and included the construction of a new international terminal. The airport has regular flights to
Bangkok Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estim ...
, towns of southern Thailand, and George Town, Malaysia. ; Rail Phuket does not have a direct rail link. The nearest train stations are in Surat Thani and Khiri Rat Nikhom, approximately away. ; City transit The songthaews is a prevalent mode in Phuket, they provide an economical means of transport between towns and various beaches. There are also conventional bus services, and motorcycle taxis are numerous in the main town and the Patong Beach area. Traditional tuk-tuks have largely been replaced by small vans, predominantly red, with some in yellow or green. Taxi services in Phuket generally operate with fixed rates. For travel from the airport to Phuket Town and major beaches, privately operated buses are available. Additionally, the ride-share service Grab is frequently recommended by locals as a convenient transportation option. ; Bus Phuket's Bus Station 2 BKS Terminal serves as the main link for transportation to and from Bangkok, as well as other major cities and provinces in Thailand, and is approximately four kilometers north of Phuket's town center and port area. It provides connections to various local transport options, including tuk-tuks, metered taxis, motorcycle taxis, songthaews, and local buses, facilitating access to the island's numerous beaches and resorts. Daily scheduled bus services by private and government companies originate from Bangkok's Mo Chit and Southern Terminal stations. ; Tram In 2018, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) announced plans for the development of a tram network in Phuket, with bidding set to begin in 2020. This project, estimated at 39 billion baht, forms part of the government's Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) initiative, aimed at accelerating its implementation. The proposed tram network, spanning approximately with 23 stations, is designed to extend from Takua Thung District in Phang Nga province to Chalong in Phuket. The initial phase of the project plans to connect Phuket International Airport with Chalong, covering a distance of around , with a projected completion timeline of three years. ; Ferry Ferry services serve neighboring islands, such as
Phi Phi The Phi Phi Islands (, , ) are an island group in Thailand between the large island of Krabi Province, Krabi and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The islands are administratively part of Krabi Province. Ko Phi Phi Don (, ) (''ko'' 'isl ...
and Koh Lanta. They operate daily from Rassada Pier and Tonsai Pier.


Health

Six hospitals exist in Phuket. The main hospital in Phuket operated by the Ministry of Public Health is Vachira Phuket Hospital, with smaller hospitals at Thalang and Patong. Three private hospitals exist which are Phuket International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and Mission Hospital Phuket.


Human achievement index 2022

Since 2003, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at the sub-national level using the Human Achievement Index (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.


Sports

Phuket F.C., also known as The Southern Sea Kirins, was established in 2009 and subsequently joined the Regional League South Division. The team designated Surakul Stadium as their home ground for matches. Sirirak Konthong took the helm as the inaugural coach of the team. In their formative year, Phuket F.C. demonstrated significant progress in the league. The 2010 season marked a notable achievement for Phuket F.C., as the team clinched the title in the Southern Regional Division 2. Despite a loss to Buriram FC in the final, Phuket F.C. secured second place in the Division 2 Champions League. This performance facilitated their promotion to the Thai Division 1 League for the 2011 season. In 2017, Phuket F.C. was officially dissolved. This decision was influenced by financial difficulties, particularly issues surrounding the termination of contracts. The following year, in 2018, Phuket F.C. underwent significant changes. The club merged with Banbueng F.C., a move that resulted in a substantial reorganization. By 2019, this merged entity adopted the name Phuket City. However, this renaming was short-lived. Subsequent changes in the club's management, particularly a takeover by the board members of Banbueng F.C., led to a reversion to the name Banbueng F.C. Along with this change in nomenclature, the club relocated its home ground to the IPE Chonburi Stadium in Chonburi. In a separate development, Patong City, another football club, marked a notable milestone in 2020. The club participated in the 2020–21 Thai League 3 Southern Region, marking its first appearance in this league. This participation signified a new chapter in the club's history and its evolving presence in regional football.


Attractions

* The Phuket Big Buddha is a prominent statue of Gautama Buddha in the Maravichai posture, situated in Phuket. This statue stands at a height of and spans in width. Constructed primarily from concrete and clad in Burmese white marble, it overlooks Ao Chalong Bay. The statue serves as the principal Buddha image for Wat Kitthi Sankaram (Wat Kata) temple. In 2008, Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, designated the Phuket Big Buddha as the 'Buddhist Treasure of Phuket.' * The Two Heroines Monument (อนุสาวรีย์วีรสตรี), located in Thalang District, is a memorial dedicated to Thao Thep Kasattri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sri Sunthon (Mook). These figures are historically significant for their role in mobilizing residents to repel Burmese forces during an invasion in 1785. * The Thalang National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ถลาง), established in 1985 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Thalang War, is an institution that showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Phuket and its surrounding regions. * Hat Karon (หาดกะรน), known as the second largest tourist beach in Phuket, is situated approximately from the town center. * On On Hotel, located in downtown Phuket Town, gained international recognition after its appearance in the 2000 film ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. * Wat Chalong (วัดฉลอง), officially known as Wat Chaiyathararam (วัดไชยธาราราม), is a significant historical temple in Phuket. It features a statue of Luang Pho Cham, a revered figure known for his role in assisting the local populace during the Angyee rebellion in 1876, under the reign of King Rama V. * Old Phuket Town, encompassing areas around Thalang, Dibuk, Yaowarat, Phang Nga, and Krabi Roads, is distinguished by its Sino-Portuguese architectural style. * Aquaria Phuket opened on August 24, 2019. * Freedom Beach, characterized by its fine white sand and clear blue waters, is a popular destination near Phuket. Located close to Patong Beach, it is accessible by boat or through a hiking trail. * A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket typically involves a 50-minute journey by speedboat. These islands are renowned for their scenic beauty and are a favored destination for tourists seeking to experience the natural allure of the region.


Local culture

* The Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Fair, observed annually on March 13, commemorates the heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. These figures are celebrated for their leadership in mobilizing the people of Thalang to defend against Burmese invaders. This event holds significant historical importance in Phuket. *
Nine Emperor Gods Festival The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (; ; ) or Vegetarian Festival or Jay Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, celebrated primarily in Southeast Asian countries such as Malays ...
, known in
Hokkien Hokkien ( , ) is a Varieties of Chinese, variety of the Southern Min group of Chinese language, Chinese languages. Native to and originating from the Minnan region in the southeastern part of Fujian in southeastern China, it is also referred ...
as 'Kiú-Hông Sēng-Huē' or 'Kiú-Hông Iâ', and locally among the Chinese community in Phuket as the Vegetarian Festival ('Tsia̍h-tshài-tseh' in Hokkien or 'เทศกาลกินเจ' (กินผัก-เจี๊ยะฉ่าย) in Thai), occurs on the first day of the ninth Chinese lunar month. This period usually falls between late September and early October. During this festival, Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry adhere to a nine-day vegetarian diet, a practice believed to bring purification and avert troubles in the coming year. The festival is known for its ascetic rituals, including fire-walking and ladder-climbing on sharp blades. * The
Ghost Festival The Ghost Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and the Yulanpen Festival in Buddhism, is a traditional festival held in certain East Asia, East and Southeast Asian countries. According to the Lunar c ...
, or 'Phóo-tōo-tseh' in Hokkien ('Û-lân-phûn Sēng-Huē' in full), is celebrated on the middle day of the seventh Chinese lunar month. Central to this festival is the tradition of ancestor worship, which involves preparing food offerings, burning incense, and burning joss paper, symbolizing material items like clothes and gold for the spirits. The festival typically includes serving elaborate vegetarian meals with seats reserved for deceased family members. Activities may also encompass the release of miniature paper boats and lanterns on water, symbolizing guidance for lost souls. * Phuket King's Cup Regatta (งานแข่งเรือใบชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน), held each December, is a prominent yachting event hosted by the Kata Beach Resort. It attracts participants, predominantly yachtsmen from neighboring countries, competing for various trophies. * The Laguna Phuket Triathlon (ลากูน่าภูเก็ตไตรกีฬา) is an annual event held each December in Phuket. This triathlon, comprising a swim, a bike race, and a run, along with a fun run, attracts a diverse array of athletes from around the globe. * The Phuket Travel Fair (เทศกาลเปิดฤดูการท่องเที่ยวจังหวัดภูเก็ต), also known as the Patong Carnival, commences on November 1 each year. Predominantly celebrated in Patong, this event is characterized by colorful parades, sports events, and beauty competitions, attracting significant participation from both foreign tourists and Thai nationals. The opening of the Patong Carnival is a particularly popular event, drawing crowds exceeding 30,000 visitors. * The Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival (งานประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) is observed annually during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months. This festival involves communities from the sea gypsy villages of Rawai and Sapam, Ko Si-re, and Laem La, located near Phuket's northern tip. Key activities include nighttime ceremonies where small boats are set adrift, a tradition akin to the Thai festival of Loi Krathong, aimed at dispelling evil and bringing good fortune. * Phuket Bike Week is recognized as the largest motorbike event in Asia. It annually draws motorcyclists and spectators from various countries, including France. The event features a range of activities such as motorcycle exhibitions, bike parades themed 'Ride for Peace', custom bike contests, and live entertainment. Additionally, it includes competitions like Mr. Phuket Bike Week and showcases bike accessories and apparel from both local and international vendors.


Twin towns and sister cities

Phuket province has several
sister cities A sister city or a twin town relationship is International relations, a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties. While there ar ...
. They are: :
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, United States (1997) :
Yantai Yantai, formerly known as Chefoo, is a coastal prefecture-level city on the Shandong Peninsula in northeastern Shandong province of the People's Republic of China. Lying on the southern coast of the Bohai Strait, Yantai borders Qingdao ...
, China (1997) :
Port Blair Port Blair (), officially named Sri Vijaya Puram, is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India in the Bay of Bengal. It is also the local administrative sub-division (''tehsil'') of the islands, the headqu ...
, India (2005) :
Hainan Hainan is an island provinces of China, province and the southernmost province of China. It consists of the eponymous Hainan Island and various smaller islands in the South China Sea under the province's administration. The name literally mean ...
, China (2005) : Nakhodka, Russia (2006) :
Suining Suining ( zh, s=遂宁 , t=遂寧; Sichuanese Pinyin: Xu4nin2; Sichuanese pronunciation: ; zh, p=Sùiníng , w=Sui-ning) is a prefecture-level city of eastern Sichuan province in Southwest China. According to the 2020 census, Suining had a p ...
, China (2016) :
Macau Macau or Macao is a special administrative regions of China, special administrative region of the People's Republic of China (PRC). With a population of about people and a land area of , it is the most List of countries and dependencies by p ...
, SAR China (2018)


Gallery

File:Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon.jpg, Monument to Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon in Phuket File:KataNoiBeach.jpg, Kata Noi Beach File:"Big Budda" Phuket 2014 february - panoramio (4).jpg, Big Buddha monument overlooking Phuket File:Palm tree at dawn, Patong beach.jpg, Patong Beach File:Koh hae, Thailand.jpg, Ko Hae Island File:Promthep Cape 04.jpg, Phromthep Cape and Kaeo Yai Island File:Phuket 2014, december - panoramio (4).jpg, Mai Khao, Thalang District


References


External links

* Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David (July 2016)
"Phuket’s Historic Peranakan Community"
{{Authority control Andaman Sea Islands of the Strait of Malacca Islands of Thailand Provinces of Thailand Southern Thailand Strait of Malacca