History of Phuket
Phuket is an island and have a very rich heritage, tradition and a long and impressive history. The Phuket has the influences from the west and east cultures. This island is commonly known as “Pearl Of South”. Phuket is the largest island of Thailand. The name of Thailand has the meanings of “Crystal Mountains” in Tamil Manikram.
A tin trading station was made here in 1518 by Portuese. During the reign of King Narai, French embassador noted the importance of tin. Tin mines were also opened in the Takua Pha (neighbouring forest). As this area was rich in Tin Burmese were after the Phuket. They invaded the Phuket 4 times (1785-1812). Many people migrated to eastern Phang due to these attacks.
After the fall of Burma to the British (1824), the expansion of peaceful trading occurred. Also the development of Phuket started.
In the mid of 19the century, thousands of chinese migrated to Phuket. This was due the Phuket richness in tin mines. In 1870 there were about 25,000 chinese in the Phuket and this count was increasing day by day. But the tin mines required the intensive labours. Due to this reason the tin mines industry was in decline by the end of century.
Tin had changed the island face. The coastline of the island was transformed by an Australian Captain Edward Thomas. Now the tin mining was moved offshore. You can still visit and find the open mines, but majority are vanished now. They are either disappeared in the jungle or changed into the farms and plantations.
In 1970s Backpackers flocked to Phuket.The inhabitants of the island built the living and loading places for them in order to accommodate them. This facility was not free, of course. This was the foundation of the tourism industry at Phuket. You can get the lodging facilities here even now at the low rates. But today you can find the five star hotels and luxury apartments too at some high costs.
The increase in wealth of the island increased the development of the island. Another important factor of the wealth is the agriculture. But the main source of income of Phuket is the tourism industry. Phuket is the highest revenue generating area of Thailand and all this is because of tourism.
The days and nights of Phuket are earning the money. In the day the beaches and other outdoor spots are giving money to Phuket while in the evening there are various entertainments in the Phuket.
All lodging areas are offering the facilities of food and drinks of your choice. So getting the food and drink of your choice is really easy in the Phuket.
PHUKET PEOPLE are very friendly. These people like the tourists and visitors and welcome them. The population of Phuket is above 200,000. Phuket town is located on the east and on the beach of Patong. The population of Phuket town is about 63,000. The residents of Phuket town are mainly Thais. These migrated to Phuket town from mainland.
