Travel to Phuket by Air
Getting to Phuket by air couldn't be easier. Phuket is served by an international airport with a number of scheduled and charter flights from Europe and around Asia.
However, the majority of visitors still fly to Bangkok first, where there are over a dozen domestic flights to Phuket daily. With the growth in budget airlines such as Phuket Air, Nok Air and Air Asia, ticket prices are now very low. There is also the national carrier Thai Airways, which is usually more expensive but you pay for the service.
Flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Book your tickets early, especially during the high season from November to April.
Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport is situated at the northern end of the island about 45 mins drive from Phuket City. Tel: +66 (0)76-327-230 (information counter is extension 1111 or 1122).
Airport Transfer
On arrival, you can organize taxis, car rentals or minibuses from the arrival hall. There is an Airport Information Counter located on the first floor should you need any assistance.
Many hotels provide limousines (read modern saloon) to transfer guests who have reservations to their premises. You can make a hotel reservation at the airport.
There is also a limousine service that will take you anywhere you want. A trip to Patong should cost around 600 Baht, while Phuket City is about 400 Baht.
The same company operates a minibus service*. A trip to Patong costs around 150 Baht per person. The minibus takes a bit longer as you have to drop other passengers off along the way.
Alternatively, if you walk out into the car park, you can catch a meter taxi from the taxi stand. There is a 100 Baht surcharge for taxis from the airport, but they should still work out cheaper than the limousines.
* There have been an increasing number of reports of minibus drivers stopping at tour companies on the way to encourage passengers to book rooms, for which they receive a commission. Often they claim that all the hotels are full and you must book with them to get a room for the night. This is a scam. You should say that you have already booked a room, even if you haven't. This way they won't try and hassle you. If you experience this, please report it to the Tourist Police (tel: 076 225 361, 076 254 693)
Travel to Phuket by Bus
Travelling to Phuket by bus from Bangkok takes about 14 hours. You can catch one from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), in Thonburi. (Charan Sanitwong rd, Bangkok, tel: 02 435 1200, 02 435 1199). Bus timetables can also be found at the Thailand Travel Company website: http://www.transport.co.th/Eng/SOUTH1.htm
Types of Buses
Not all buses are the same. A couple hundred baht more will buy you a lot more comfort. The standard air-conditioned buses cost between 400 - 550 Baht. These have 32-seats and have small seats which don't recline much.
For a more comfortable journey take the VIP buses which have much bigger seats and more legroom. These have 24 seats and cost about 750 Baht per person.
Long-distance buses will stop at a designated restaurant about half-way into the journey, where you can have a simple meal or buy snacks to take with you. If you are on a VIP bus, the price of the meal is included in the ticket.
There are also private coach and minibus services available from travel agents or some hotel tour desks. Be wary of booking private buses from agencies on Khao Sarn road. The service on such buses can be unbelievably bad.
Bus Terminal
The bus terminal in Phuket is located on Phang Nga road in Phuket City, down a side road opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel. As well as regular buses to Bangkok there are services to other destinations in the South such as Hat Yai, Krabi, Surat Thani and Trang.
From Phuket Bus Terminal you can catch a tuk tuk or local bus to anywhere on the island.
A Word Of Warning
Thieves operate on long-distance buses so keep on eye on your valuables. Don't put anything valuable in the luggage compartment of the bus. You may find that its not there when you arrive. There have also been reports of thieves befriending tourist and offering them snacks which contain drugs to make them fall asleep, then robbing them while they doze.
Travel to Phuket by Car
Phuket is about 867km (539 miles) from Bangkok, with a travelling time of approximately 10 hours. There are many car rental companies in Bangkok, both international firms such as Avis and Budget, as well as local companies.
Driving in Thailand is quite pleasant outside of town and cities. Motorways are in good condition and mostly well sign-posted in Thai and English. Driving standards are poor but better than many other developing nations. (See road safety).
Route
Take Highway 4 from Bangkok, passing through Nakhorn Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuapkhirikan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang Nga. The highway between Ranong and Phang Nga is quite scenic with forest-covered mountains on one side and the Andaman sea on the other.
If you are renting from a local company, make sure that full insurance cover is included. To be covered by insurance, you will need an international or Thai driving licence.
Travel to Phuket by Train
Trains do not run to Phuket, which is unfortunate as train travel in Thailand is both a cheap and comfortable way to travel. However, you can take a train from Hualamphong in Bangkok to Phun Phin near Surat Thani, where you can catch a coach to Phuket. The train to Surat Thani is about 12 hours while the coach is another 5-6 hours.
There are about 14 coaches per day between Surat Thani and Phuket in both directions. Coaches begin running at 05:00, then leave at regular intervals until 15:30. Your train should arrive in the morning so you should not have any problems catching a coach.
Granted, this is a round about way of travelling to Phuket, but if you can't afford or can't get a flight, trains are an excellent alternative. Long distance trains usually travel at night, so you can sleep most of the way. And you can actually sleep quite comfortably, as opposed to buses where only a contortionist could get comfortable.
Trains have three different classes :
First-class
This consists of a lockable private air-conditioned 2-berth compartment with washbasin. First-class is not available on all trains.
Second-class
This is further divided into fan sleeper and air-con sleeper carriages. Go for air-con as fan sleepers can be quite hot, even at night. The open windows also means that they are noisier than the air-con sleepers.
Third-class
This has hard bench seats, and is not recommended for long journeys, unless you like being uncomfortable.
All trains have a catering car where you can purchase hot meals at reasonable prices.
Travelling by train in Thailand is generally very safe, although you should not leave your valuables unattended.
For train schedules contact the State Railway of Thailand. Tel: 02 220 4334. Advance tickets are available at all main stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel: 02 225 0300 ext. 5200-3 or go to http://www.railway.co.th/httpEng
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Sunday, September 03, 2006
History of Phuket
Early History
Located on trading routes between India and China, Phuket was subjected to foreign influences long before many other parts of Thailand. Ships would anchor in the safe harbours of Phuket and wait for the monsoon winds to allow them to proceed to India.
The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced in the 19th century by tin miners. The coastal areas were inhabited by Chao Leh, sea-gypsies who made their living through piracy and fishing for pearls. Although threatened by development, Chao Leh villages can still be found along the coast of Phuket and neighbouring islands.
Phuket first became part of a Thai state during the thirteenth century when Thai armies from Sukhothai wrested control of the island from the Sirivijaya Empire, which was based in Sumatra.
Tin & Rubber
Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the sixteenth century when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom at Ayuthaya, as well as an important trading post. It was also during this period that the first Europeans arrived on Phuket.
Due to Phuket's abundant supply of tin and its importance as a trading port, the island's economy continued to prosper. The British secured a tin mining concession and nearly claimed Phuket as part of the Empire, opting instead for Penang due to its safer harbours. Phuket's streets were lined with handsome buildings constructed in the Sino-Portuguese style by the tin-barons, many of which can still be seen in older quarters of the town.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the island's interior still remained relatively untouched. Much of it was still covered in ancient rainforest. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, large areas of the island were cleared to make way for rubber plantations, irreparably altering the landscape of the island.
Tourism
Tourism began on the island in the 1970s with the first beach bungalows at Patong beach. During this time Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Phuket's idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travellers from all over the world to the island. This was facilitated by the building of the airport in the mid-1970s.
Today, tourism is by far the island's biggest industry with over 3 million tourists visiting the island annually, making Phuket one of the most popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
Origin of the Name “Phuket”
The name Phuket is derived from the Malay word bukit, meaning hill. The island was called Junk Ceylon on European charts, a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang meaning Cape Salang. Later it became known as Thalang, the name of the main town on the island. The island did not come to be known as Phuket until quite late in its history when the administrative centre was moved to a mining town called Phuket.
The Battle of Thalang
The most celebrated moment in Phuket's history is when the people of Phuket (then called Thalang), drove away Burmese invaders who were laying siege to the island.
In 1785, Phuket was attacked by the Burmese as part of a wider to campaign to invade Thailand (then called Siam). The wife of the recently deceased governor, Lady Chan, along with her sister Lady Muk, rallied the people and broke the Burmese siege.
On hearing of these valiant deeds, the king bestowed honorific titles on these two heroines. Today, their statues can be seen atop a monument at the roundabout a few kilometres north of Phuket City.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Located on trading routes between India and China, Phuket was subjected to foreign influences long before many other parts of Thailand. Ships would anchor in the safe harbours of Phuket and wait for the monsoon winds to allow them to proceed to India.
The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced in the 19th century by tin miners. The coastal areas were inhabited by Chao Leh, sea-gypsies who made their living through piracy and fishing for pearls. Although threatened by development, Chao Leh villages can still be found along the coast of Phuket and neighbouring islands.
Phuket first became part of a Thai state during the thirteenth century when Thai armies from Sukhothai wrested control of the island from the Sirivijaya Empire, which was based in Sumatra.
Tin & Rubber
Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the sixteenth century when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom at Ayuthaya, as well as an important trading post. It was also during this period that the first Europeans arrived on Phuket.
Due to Phuket's abundant supply of tin and its importance as a trading port, the island's economy continued to prosper. The British secured a tin mining concession and nearly claimed Phuket as part of the Empire, opting instead for Penang due to its safer harbours. Phuket's streets were lined with handsome buildings constructed in the Sino-Portuguese style by the tin-barons, many of which can still be seen in older quarters of the town.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the island's interior still remained relatively untouched. Much of it was still covered in ancient rainforest. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, large areas of the island were cleared to make way for rubber plantations, irreparably altering the landscape of the island.
Tourism
Tourism began on the island in the 1970s with the first beach bungalows at Patong beach. During this time Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Phuket's idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travellers from all over the world to the island. This was facilitated by the building of the airport in the mid-1970s.
Today, tourism is by far the island's biggest industry with over 3 million tourists visiting the island annually, making Phuket one of the most popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
Origin of the Name “Phuket”
The name Phuket is derived from the Malay word bukit, meaning hill. The island was called Junk Ceylon on European charts, a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang meaning Cape Salang. Later it became known as Thalang, the name of the main town on the island. The island did not come to be known as Phuket until quite late in its history when the administrative centre was moved to a mining town called Phuket.
The Battle of Thalang
The most celebrated moment in Phuket's history is when the people of Phuket (then called Thalang), drove away Burmese invaders who were laying siege to the island.
In 1785, Phuket was attacked by the Burmese as part of a wider to campaign to invade Thailand (then called Siam). The wife of the recently deceased governor, Lady Chan, along with her sister Lady Muk, rallied the people and broke the Burmese siege.
On hearing of these valiant deeds, the king bestowed honorific titles on these two heroines. Today, their statues can be seen atop a monument at the roundabout a few kilometres north of Phuket City.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Phuket General Information.
Phuket’s Geography
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as Singapore, and is surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
Phuket’s Population
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality, this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Phuket’s Economy
Phuket has the second highest per capita income of any province in Thailand outside of Bangkok. Tourism has dominated the island’s economy for the past two decades. Each year, over 3 million visitors arrive to enjoy Phuket’s natural splendor and many amenities.
For much of its history, Phuket’s economy was based on tin mining. Since the fall in the demand for tin in the 1980s and restrictions placed upon tin dredging to protect the coastal waters, the industry’s importance has greatly declined.
Rubber became an important part of the local economy at the beginning of the twentieth century when large areas of rainforest were cut down to make way for rubber plantations, many of which can still be seen on the island.
Other contributors to the local economy include: Pearl farms; Agriculture and horticulture in the form of coconuts, cashews, tapioca, cacao, rice and pineapple; prawn farming, and the processing of marine products.
Religion in Phuket
The main religion on Phuket, as in the rest of Thailand, is Theravada Buddhism. Theravada, literally the "Doctrine of the Elders", is the name of the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
Many people in Phuket also practice Daoism, usually together with Buddhism. This is due to the large number of Chinese immigrants who came to work in the tin mines during the 19th century. Several Chinese shrines can be found around Phuket City. During the Vegetarian Festival these are a hive of activity.
Thai Muslims make up approximately 35% of Phuket’s population, and many are still concentrated in the area around Surin Beach where the migrant Malays originally settled. Despite the smaller number of Muslims, mosques actually outnumber Buddhist wats on the island.
The Chao Leh practice their own form of animism, the belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
Phuket Local Administration
Phuket is Thailand’s only island province and is also the country's smallest province in terms of area.
Phuket City is the administrative centre, though it is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town. It received city status in 2004.
The island is divided into three administrative districts or amphoe; Thalang, to the north, Kathu to the west and Muang in the south.
The provincial governor and district chiefs are appointed by the central government in Bangkok. Phuket and Patong city councils are elected as well as the city mayors. Provincial, district and sub-district councils are also elected.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as Singapore, and is surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
Phuket’s Population
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality, this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Phuket’s Economy
Phuket has the second highest per capita income of any province in Thailand outside of Bangkok. Tourism has dominated the island’s economy for the past two decades. Each year, over 3 million visitors arrive to enjoy Phuket’s natural splendor and many amenities.
For much of its history, Phuket’s economy was based on tin mining. Since the fall in the demand for tin in the 1980s and restrictions placed upon tin dredging to protect the coastal waters, the industry’s importance has greatly declined.
Rubber became an important part of the local economy at the beginning of the twentieth century when large areas of rainforest were cut down to make way for rubber plantations, many of which can still be seen on the island.
Other contributors to the local economy include: Pearl farms; Agriculture and horticulture in the form of coconuts, cashews, tapioca, cacao, rice and pineapple; prawn farming, and the processing of marine products.
Religion in Phuket
The main religion on Phuket, as in the rest of Thailand, is Theravada Buddhism. Theravada, literally the "Doctrine of the Elders", is the name of the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
Many people in Phuket also practice Daoism, usually together with Buddhism. This is due to the large number of Chinese immigrants who came to work in the tin mines during the 19th century. Several Chinese shrines can be found around Phuket City. During the Vegetarian Festival these are a hive of activity.
Thai Muslims make up approximately 35% of Phuket’s population, and many are still concentrated in the area around Surin Beach where the migrant Malays originally settled. Despite the smaller number of Muslims, mosques actually outnumber Buddhist wats on the island.
The Chao Leh practice their own form of animism, the belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
Phuket Local Administration
Phuket is Thailand’s only island province and is also the country's smallest province in terms of area.
Phuket City is the administrative centre, though it is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town. It received city status in 2004.
The island is divided into three administrative districts or amphoe; Thalang, to the north, Kathu to the west and Muang in the south.
The provincial governor and district chiefs are appointed by the central government in Bangkok. Phuket and Patong city councils are elected as well as the city mayors. Provincial, district and sub-district councils are also elected.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Monday, August 21, 2006
Phuket Events & Festivals : 3
February 2007
Phuket Gay Festival
Taking place in Patong at the beginning of February, the festival itself runs over four days with parties, a volleyball tournament and a street parade that is the highlight of the festival. (For more info see http://www.beachpatong.com/gaypatong/phuketgayfestival).
March 2007
The Thao Thep Krasatri - Thao Sri Suntorn Festival (mid-March)
This event is held annually in mid-March to honour Phuket's two heroines, (see history). The festival takes place in the area around the heroines' monument on Thep Krasatri road. There is a fun-fair, food stalls and stage performances throughout the week.
April 2007
Songkran: 13th - 15th
On the 13th of April Thai people all over the country celebrate the Thai new year. It is a religious occasion as well as an excuse for a water fight. The festival is a 3-day public holiday, (see holidays).
Turtle Releasing Festival
The Turtle Releasing Festival is held every year during Songkran. Turtle eggs are collected by the Fisheries Department in an effort to conserve the numbers of sea turtles. The baby turtles are released into the sea on Nai Yang beach.
Phuket Bike Week
Big bike rally and events in Phuket during Songkran Festival organized by Phuket Riders Club and Ride Thailand Magazine. (See http://phuketbikeweek.com/ for more details).
July 2007
Phuket Race Week
A full week of international-standard yacht racing for a wide range of yachts — from the highly competitive top racers all the way to liveaboard cruisers and charter boats. (See Phuket Race Week for more details).
For more information on all events in Phuket, contact the Tourist Office at:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
73-75 Phuket Rd.
T. Talad Nuea, A. Muang
Phuket 83000
Tel: 076 211 036, 076 212 213
Phuket Events & Festivals : 2
November
Patong Carnival: 1st
The carnival is held in the first week of November to celebrate the start of the high season at Patong Beach. There are stalls selling crafts and food, colourful parades, watersports competitions and even a beauty pageant.
Loi Krathong: 5th
Loi Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon in November and is the most magical of all Thai festivals. Small lotus-shaped boats woven from banana leaves, called krathongs, are floated on water. These vessels contain small flowers, candles, incense and offerings to thank Mother Water for providing water for them to use. Thai people also believe that if they place a strand of hair or nail clipping in the krathong their troubles will be carried away with it.
In Phuket, many people go to Saphan Hin on the edge of Phuket City to launch their krathongs. The beach at Patong is also popular. There you can also float paper lanterns into the sky. Watching hundreds of these glowing lanterns drifting up into the sky over the sea is an enchanting way to spend an evening.
December
Laguna Phuket Triathlon: 3rd
This annual competition takes place in the Laguna Resort complex at Bang Tao Beach. It attracts professional and amateur triathletes from around the world. The event comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run through beautiful natural surroundings. (See http://www.lagunaphuket.com/triathlon for more details).
King's Cup Regatta: 5th - 10th
The King's Cup is Asia's premier regatta. The event takes place in the first week of December as it was inaugurated to honour the King's birthday, which is on December 5th. Sailing enthusiasts from around the world come to Phuket every year to take part in the regatta, which not only involve lots of sailing but plenty of parties in the evenings. (For more info see King's Cup Regatta).
Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX): 7th - 10th
The third Phuket International Marine Expo will be held at the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina. The event will feature around 100 national and international exhibitors, including at least 20 on-water displays. Superb luxury yachts; charter boats; the latest marine equipment; Phuket lifestyle and property. (For more info see Phuket Boat Show).
Phuket Events & Festivals.
Phuket Events & Festivals
Planning your holiday to coincide with one of Phuket's many events and festivals could make all the difference between a good holiday and a really memorable one. There are important events scattered throughout the year, so check if your visit to Phuket will coincide with anything you'd be interested in.
The Vegetarian Festival, which takes place in late September, is the most famous and spectacular of these. However, there are events throughout the year. Songkran, in April, is the Thai new year but is also an excuse for a huge water fight. While Loi Krathong, in November is a more subdued but magical festival.
August
Por Tor Festival: 8th - 23rd
This Chinese ancestor worship festival takes place in the seventh Chinese lunar month, which is when the Chinese believe that the spirits of the dead are released from the underworld. The Chinese communities in Phuket make food offerings to appease the hungry spirits and to pay their respects. Turtle-shaped cakes are a popular offering as turtles represent longevity. The worshippers believe that these turtle cakes will help prolong their own life. Events take place around Phuket's Chinese shrines at different times over a 15-day period. Like most other festivals Chinese Phuket, there is a lot of food, as well as stage performances.
Phuket Fireworks Festival:
This event takes place in mid-August at Saphan Hin on the edge of Phuket City. The scale of the display means that the spectacle can also be enjoyed from other locations, such as Rang Hill, or anywhere along Phuket Bay.
October
Vegetarian Festival: 21st - 31st
The Vegetarian Festival takes place at the start of the ninth Chinese lunar month, which falls in late September or early October. This is Phuket's most famous and spectacular festival. The rituals, which last for nine days, are performed to purify both body and mind. During this time, participants go on a strict diet, which is technically vegan as no animal products are allowed to be consumed.
There are processions through the streets and tests of devotion where supplicants perform acts of self-mortification including piercing of the cheeks and tongues with knives and various objects. The more impressive events include ascetic devotees walking on burning coals and climbing ladders with knife-edged rungs. Definitely not for the faint hearted. (For more info see http://www.phuketvegetarian.com).
Friday, July 28, 2006
Phuket is Thailand ’s largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometers south of Bangkok.
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, superb accommodations and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.
The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach.
Phuket and its islands are ideal for sailing, diving & snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports & entertainment you can wish for; you even can take a trip with a submarine to discover the colorful marine live.
There is plenty of accommodation available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to 5 star hotels.
...................................................................................................
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, superb accommodations and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.
The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach.
Phuket and its islands are ideal for sailing, diving & snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports & entertainment you can wish for; you even can take a trip with a submarine to discover the colorful marine live.
There is plenty of accommodation available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to 5 star hotels.
...................................................................................................
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history.
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| Geography Economy |
Population
Official population as of December, 1998, was 231,206. This figure numbers those who are registered as living in Phuket. Phuket' s attraction as a center of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration is elsewhere. The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending on the time of year, through it is never less than the figure given above.
Government
The island is divided into three districts, Thalang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south. Thailand's system of government relies upon a strong central authority, thus the Provincial Governor is a civil servant appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the Nai Amphoe, or District Chief. The cities of Phuket and Patong have their own city governments, with elected city councils, the leading members of which serve as mayor. There are also elected provincial, district, and sub-district, or Tambon councils. The local constabulary is part of the Interior Ministry.
Climate
Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and humid. 
There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degree Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degree Celsius.
History
Phuket Island has a long recorded history, and remains dating back to A.D. 1025 indicate that the island's present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or crystal mountain.
For most of history, however, it was known as Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy's Geographica, written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Souwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jang Si Lang.
Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millennium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.
During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pa in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayutthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island's northern and central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern and western parts were given over to the tin trade, a concession in the hands of foreigners.
After Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma.
This led to Phuket's most memorable historic event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket's recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook, After a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.
In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Sunthon.
During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work for the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.
In Rama V's reign, Phuket became the administrative center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933, with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.
Radio, Television, Newspapers and Communications
Phuket is served by the full complement of Thai television channels and has seven radio stations. Several of these have English language broadcasts.
| The Late Show 11:00p.m.-2:00a.m. | nightly on FM 89. Local news, information, and an electric mix of jazz, rock, and classical music. Tel. (076) 213513, 213532. |
| FMX 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. | nightly on FM 96.75. Nationwide phone-in, soft rock and pop, out of Bangkok. Tel. (076) 217449. |
| Tourist Time 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Sundays on FM 90.5. Interviews with local newsmakers and music. Tel. (076) 215604. |
The Public Telecommunications Office of Phuket is on Phang-nga Rd., in Phuket Town. Operated by the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT), direct dial and operator assisted calls can be made from there, and collect or reverse change calls when the need arises. Tel. (076) 216861.
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