Geography of Phuket (Thailand)

Phuket island is located in the Andaman Sea, off of peninsular Thailand's western coast. Phuket City, which is situated in the southeast of the island, is a significant port and a major commercial hub. Tin, rubber, charcoal, lumber, and fish goods are exported from its seaport to Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar (Burma) in the south and north, respectively.

Both rice and goods are imported. Flights to Bangkok, communities in southern Thailand, and George Town, Malaysia are frequently offered from the local airport.

Historical Background

The island was initially a part of several Tai nations until being integrated into the Ayutthaya monarchy in the sixteenth century. Large numbers of Chinese immigrants entered after the 18th century; today, the Chinese make up more than half of the population. The island has also been referred to as Tongka, Junk Ceylon, and Jonsalam. The Malays refer to it as Ujong Salang ("Cape Salang"). Rich tin mines can be found in Phuket.

River and ocean boat dredges and pumps are used to extract the ore, which is discovered in lowland gravels and on the shallow seafloor. The island has developed into a popular seaside destination. It is connected to the mainland to the north via a bridge that spans a short strait. The principal towns of Ban Rawai, Phuket, and Thalang are connected by a road.

Physical Features

Thailand's largest island is Phuket. Southern Thailand's Andaman Sea is where it is situated. The west of the island has a mountain range that runs from north to south, and the majority of the island is made up of mountains. The Phuket Mountain range, which extends for 440 kilometres (270 miles) from the Kra Isthmus, is terminated at its southernmost point by the mountains of Phuket. The second-smallest province in Thailand, Phuket has an area of 576 km2 (222 sq. mi), little less than Singapore. It comprises of Phuket, the largest island in the nation, and an additional 32 smaller islands off the coast. It is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand's major island. The Sarasin Bridge connects Phuket Island with Phang Nga Province to the north. East over Phang Nga Bay, Krabi is the next closest province.

Most people consider Khao Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes), which rises 529 meters (1,736 feet) above sea level, to be the island's highest point. Phuket is located roughly 863 kilometres (536 miles) south of Bangkok. The island is 48 kilometres (30 mi) long and 21 kilometres (13 mi) wide when measured from north to south. 60% of the island is covered with plantations for palm oil, rubber, and forest. There are numerous sandy beaches on the west coast. Beaches on the east coast are more frequently muddy. Laem Phromthep ("Brahma's Cape"), a well-known viewpoint, is located close to the southernmost point.

Climate

The weather in Phuket is tropical monsoon (Am). There is little seasonal difference in temperature because of its proximity to the equator. The city experiences an annual low of 25 °C (77 °F) and an average high of 32 °C (90 °F). Phuket has two seasons: a dry season from December to March and a wet season from April to October. However, Phuket experiences considerable precipitation even in its dry season, like many other cities with a tropical monsoon climate. The annual rainfall in Phuket is about 2,200 millimetres (87 in).

Mountains And Beaches

Phuket has a lot of hills. There are a few peaks above 500 meters, with Mai Tao Sipsong being the highest at 529 meters. These are frequently covered in luxuriant vegetation. Rice fields, rubber, pineapple, and coconut plantations can be found in the lowlands, along with the island's sole large remaining rainforest area, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park. The West coast has the most stunning beaches, which are divided by rugged coves and headlands. Only a few sandy beaches and limestone shoals make up the east coast, and in the horizon are stunning limestone islands. The emerald waters around the island are covered in coral gardens full of unique marine life, but tragically, much of Phuket's coral has been dying due to environmental forces and human activity.

The Khao Phra Thaeo No-Hunting Area, which guards more than 20 km2 of the rainforest, is located in the island's hilly north. The Khao Prathiu (384 meters (1,260 feet), Khao Bang Pae (388 meters (1,273 feet), and Khao Phara (422 meters (1,385 feet)) are the three tallest peaks in this reserve. The Nai Yang Beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs, is part of the 68 kilometers (42 miles) of maritime space that the Sirinat National Park on the northwest coast was created to conserve. A total of 113 km2 (44 sq mi) or 20.6 percent of the provincial territory is covered by forests.

Demographics

The majority of people in Phuket are Buddhist, similar to the majority of Thailand, although there are also a sizable number of Muslims (20%) who are primarily descended from the island's original Austronesian inhabitants. Numerous Muslims are of Malay ancestry.An even higher portion of the population is of Chinese descent, many of whom are decedents of the tin miners who arrived to Phuket in the 19th century. Peranakans, often referred to as "Phuket Babas" in the local dialect, make up a sizable portion of the Chinese population, especially among individuals who have ties to the Peranakan populations of Penang and Malacca. In the 2010 census' preliminary count, there were 525,018 people living in the province of Phuket, including 115,881 foreigners, or 21.1% of the total population. The Phuket Provincial Employment Office now lists more than 64,000 Burmese, Lao, and Cambodian employees who are legally staying on the island, therefore it is acknowledged that this is erroneous.There were 386,605 people living in Thailand as of the 2015 census. During the peak season, more than a million people live on Phuket Island as tourists, primarily from Western Europe, China, Russia, and the United States, swarm there around Christmas.

Conclusion

Phuket is a diverse and stunning island located in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand's western coast. It has a long history, a diversity of civilizations, and a wide range of natural environments, including coral reefs, mountain ranges, and stunning beaches. Millions of travelers come to the island each year to see its natural beauty and rich culture, which is the main driver of its economy. However, Phuket also has problems, like environmental problems that damage its jungles and coral reefs. Despite this, tourists seeking a tropical paradise and distinctive cultural experiences continue to flock to Phuket.

FAQs

1. Where is Phuket located?

Off the western coast of mainland Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, sits the island of Phuket.

2. What is the climate like in Phuket?

Phuket experiences low seasonal temperature change in its tropical monsoon environment. From December to March there is a dry season, and from April to October there is a wet season.

3. What are the main industries in Phuket?

The main industry of Phuket is tourism, which attracts numerous people every year. The island also imports rice and other goods and exports tin, rubber, charcoal, lumber, and fish products.

4. What are the main attractions in Phuket?

Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests make Phuket famous.

5. What is the population of Phuket?

About 386,605 people called Phuket home as of the 2015 census, with a significant proportion of Chinese and Muslims.