The History of Phuket - A Short Summary

History of Phuket

Sea Gypsies are known as people who live on the sea. They settle on one bay until all the resources there are finished and they move on to the next. The Sea Gypsies are split in three ethnic groups - the Moken, Moklen and Urak Lawoi - which speak different languages. y now there are three settlements on Phuket. The oldest one is at Rawai and frequently visited by tourists. Another one is 8 k.m. north of Phuket Town at Saphan Bay and the third is located at Siray Island which can be reach by a bridge connecting the island to Phuket.

In the 17th century the French ruled over most of Phuket’s tin trade. Charbonneau was replaced in 1685 when King Somdet Phra narai gave the French ambassador a lot of tin. Three years later the French were forced off the island following the Siamese Revolution that overthrew pro-foreign Narai.

In 1767 King Taksin drove off the Burmese trying to conquer the country successfully. In 1785 the Burmese had another attempt to take over the country in the south. This was prevented by the act of two amazing women named Thao Thepkasattri (Kunying Jan) and her sister Thao Sri Soonthorn (Mook). They told everyone woman to dress as men and scare off the Burmese soldiers which was successfully done. Until now they are known for the two heroines that saved the country.

In 1903l the first rubber trees ever on Phuket were panted and soon become part of Phuket’s culture, expanding to nearly one third of the island. Thailand is now the world’s biggest rubber producer. Tin was discovered a couple of years ago in the Kathu district of Phuket and was last mined in 1992 when the last mine in Phuket ever, closed down.

Tourists first ever came to Phuket in 1980, when it became a more popular country. Today, many tourists come to settle in Phuket because of its stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes.

In 20014 a tsunami hit Phuket, not warning anyone about it. Since Phuket was behind with it’s technology, no one knew that a tsunami was headed it’s way. Thailand was one of the countries hardest hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami.