Location
Phuket island is located in the tropical zone off the
west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman
Sea and is connected to Phang-nga province by Sarasin
Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. It is 862 km. away
from Bangkok by road and one hour and 20 minutes by
air.
Area
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand but the second
smallest province in area (the smallest being Samut
Songkhram). The main island itself has an area of about
539 sq.km., about the same size as Singapore. The total
land area of the province, including 39 small nearby
islets, is about 570 sq.km.
Climate
There are only two seasons in a year -- the rainy season
from May to October and the hot season from November
to April. September and October are the wettest months.
The best period is from November through February. But
whatever the season, there is always a breeze blowing.
The average temperatures range between 23°C and
33°C.
Topography
70% of the area are mountains stretching from north
to south, while the other 30% are plains, mainly in
the central and and eastern parts of the island.
There is no important river but a total of 9 brooks
and creeks. The west coast are stretches of white sandy
beaches which are major tourist developments.
Population
Total 315,498 (end Dec 2007) with 150,473 males and
165,025 females. They consist of Thai-Buddhist, 71%;
Muslim 25%; and Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) 4%. The majority
of population live in Phuket town and at Patong Beach.
**Note** The total population includes only permanent
residents.
Administration
The only island province of the country, Phuket is divided
into 3 administrative units called amphoe (county) --
Amphoe Muang, Thalang and Kathu.
Language
Central Thai is the official language and used in business
and tourism areas. People in general use southern Thai
dialect, which sounds more succinct and is spoken faster
than the central Thai. English is understood in tourist
areas.
Products
The most important products of Phuket are marine products,
latex, rubber, fuel oil and frozen fish.
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