Phuket History
History of Phuket
Phuket has a very long history backing to stone age of human, proved by stone age cave painting recently uncovered from one on the caves from phanga Bay.
Stone age humans lived in caves. Islands first inhabitants are sea Gypsies.Once sea gypsies were fierce full fighters.Sea Gypsies also know as ‘Moken’,’Mokken’,’Chao Le’,’Chao Tha ley’,’Chao Nam’.They are sea Nomads.Now still you can see in Phuket Sea Gypy villages ,now they hunt fish for livelihood.Still elder Mokkens can speak only Mokken Language ,but youngters can speak Thai Language as well.
Phukets first recorded history is around A.D. 1025 when Phuket used as halting point of ships travelling between China and India. In those time, the island ruled by the Shivite Empire. The Portuguese are 1st Europeans to trade with Phuket.Still can see many sino portugeese buildings in Phuket.In History Phuket also known as pearl of the Andaman.On 16th century Dutch made a trade post in Phuket.
In Phuket at 1952 there was no bridge to from Phang Na.Only Ferry
In history Phuket first names was Talang,junk Ceylon and last name was bukit later on 1969 officially changed to “Phuket”.
The reason of Phuket town birth.In history Phuket town is near to the port and the area is flat,also other sides of Phuket was dense forest and mountains filled with black leopards ,bears and elephants. On that time nobody go to Patong beach, because have cover the dense mountain forests and man eaters leopards was on the forest and patong was a place of sea pirates.On this reason Phuket Town came to birth,also that’s why only in Phuket town can see very old buildings that you cannot see any other parts of Phuket.
Phang Na at 1920,can see old carts and chinese people and shops
New History of Phuket.
New history of Phuket starts at 1785,when Burmese troop attacked Phuket and they killed governor of Phuket.The sad and angry wife of governor, K.Chan and her sister mook disgusted as men and led thai forces battled with Burmese troop,the courage of the young thai ladies made Burmese to fear and Burmese run away after 7 weeks of war.For that bravery King Rama I awarded bravery medel and honored by giving name as Thao(Lady) Thep Kassattri and Thao Srisuntorn,now of these days you can still see they statues on the way from Phuket airport.This monumunts name is 2 Heroine’s monument.
Also in provincial emblem of Phuket decorated with this 2 brave Thai ladies.
Old Phuket Airport at 1952
Chinese in History Phuket
During 19th century Chinese migrants started arrive in Phuket and settled in Phuket.
Tin in Phuket History
Since tin discovery in Kathu Phuket,tin mining business boomed and it was major source income of Phuket until tin prices droped. Chinese people and moved from penang and Singapore apart from 30,000 Heiken Chinese from Mainland China.First mining dredger started on 1907 and Last tin mine is closed 1992.
Patong Beach at 1980 when first tourists reach Patong Beach Phuket.
Rubber in Phuket History
Since tin price fallen ,rubber was major income of phuket,many forest cut down for rubber cultivation.Since 1980 some of the American tourist found out Phuket beaches tourism is boomed to Phuket another major income of Phuket. Also in 1980 there was not hotel.Only nice beach huts for accommodation.
