Phuket
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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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