History and development of tourism in Phuket

Phuket, one of the most popular tourist regions in Southeast Asia, has a rich history that is closely linked to its development as a major tourist destination.

Early history

Phuket’s history begins with its location on the trade routes between India and China, which led to the island being exposed to outside influences long before other parts of Thailand. The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced by tin miners in the 19th century.

Phuket first became part of the Thai state in the 13th century, when Thai armies took control of the island from the Sumatra-based Sirawijaya Empire. Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the 16th century, when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya and an important trading post.

Development of tourism

Tourism on the island began in the 1970s with the opening of the first beach bungalows on Patong Beach. At that time, Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travelers from all over the world. This was aided by the construction of an airport in the mid-70s.

Today, tourism is by far the island’s largest industry, attracting more than 3 million travelers a year. The name Phuket comes from the Malay word “bukit”, which means hill. The island was originally named Junk Seylon on European maps, which is a corruption of the Malay “Tanjung Salang” meaning Cape Salang. It later became known as Talang, after the main town on the island. The island only became known as Phuket later in its history when the administrative center was moved to a mining town in the center of the island, named Phuket.

A glimpse into the future

Over the years, Phuket continues to attract tourists from all over the world with its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing demands and expectations of tourists, striving to provide a unique and memorable experience for all who visit this magnificent island.