Phuket
Pearl of the Andaman. Heavenly City of the South. Golden beaches. Two heroines. Virtue of Luang Pho Chaem.
Phuket province, encompassing an area of 547 km2 (211 sq mi), ranks as the second-smallest province in Thailand.[1]Historically, Phuket Island was situated on a major trading route between India and China. This strategic location led to its frequent mention of foreign ships in the logs, including those from Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England. Despite this attention from various European powers, Phuket was never colonized by any European nation.
Economically, the province's wealth was initially derived from tin and rubberproduction. Recently, Phuket has transitioned to tourism as its primary source of income. More than 100,000 foreigners are estimated to have settled in Phuket.[7]
Phuket Island (Ko Phuket), the largest island in Thailand, is situated in the southern part of the country, within the Andaman Sea. The island is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with a mountain range extending from the north to the south along its western side. This range is part of the larger Phuket mountain range, which spans approximately 440 km (270 mi) from the Kra Isthmus.
The island's highest point is traditionally cited as Khao Mai Thao Sip Song, with an altitude of 529 m (1,736 ft) above sea level. However, there are reports suggesting the presence of an unnamed peak in the Kamala Hills, behind Kathu Waterfall, which may reach an elevation of 542 meters above sea level.
Phuket Island, situated approximately 863 kilometres (536 mi) south of Bangkok, spans an area of 543 square kilometres (210 sq mi), not accounting for its smaller islets. It is accompanied by several other islands including Ko Lone(4.77 square kilometres (1.84 sq mi)), Ko Maprao (3.7 square kilometres (1.4 sq mi)), Ko Naka Yai (2.08 square kilometres (0.80 sq mi)), Ko Racha Noi(3.06 square kilometres (1.18 sq mi)), Ko Racha Yai (4.5 square kilometres (1.7 sq mi)), and Ko Sire, the second largest, covering 8.8 square kilometres (3.4 sq mi). The island measures 48 kilometres (30 mi) in length from north to south, and its width extends to 21 kilometres (13 mi).[26] Around 60% of Phuket Island is covered with forests, rubber, and palm oil plantations. Its west coast is adorned with several sandy beaches, while the east coast features predominantly muddy beaches. The southernmost tip of the island is marked by Laem Phromthep (Thai: แหลมพรหมเทพ"Brahma's Cape"), known for being a popular viewpoint.
In the northern, more mountainous part of the island, the Khao Phra Thaeo No-Hunting Area spans over 20 km2 (7.7 mi2), dedicated to preserving rainforest ecosystems. This reserve's three highest peaks include Khao Prathiu (384 metres (1,260 ft)), Khao Bang Pae (388 metres (1,273 ft)), and Khao Phara (422 metres (1,385 ft)). Additionally, the Sirinat National Park on the northwest coast, established in 1981, encompasses an area of 90 km2 (35 mi2), including 68 km2 (26 mi2) of marine area. This park is significant for encompassing the Nai Yang Beach, a nesting site for sea turtles.The total forested area of Phuket is approximately 113 km2 (44 sq mi), accounting for 20.6 percent of the province's total area.
- Unidentified Microchirita (Phuket): Distinct for its vivid blue blooms, resembling elements of Microchirita lavandulacea, though awaiting formal taxonomic publication.
- Habitat: Typically found clinging to shaded limestone karsts, moist rocky outcrops, or lowland tropical forest floors in the peninsular region.
- Broader Context: Southern Thai rainforests and islands frequently yield narrow endemics belonging to genera like Microchirita and Kaisupeea.
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