Saturday, December 4, 2010

Phuket History

The name Phuket (of which the ph sound is an aspirated p) is apparently derived from the word bukit in Malay which means "hill", as this is what the island appears like from a distance. The region was formerly referred to as "Thalang," derived from the old Malay "Telong" which means "Cape". The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name.

In the 17th century, the Dutch, the English, and from the 1680s the French, competed with each other for trade with the island of Phuket (the island was named Junkseilon at that time), which was valued as a very rich source of tin. In September 1680, a ship from the French East India Company visited Phuket and left with a full cargo of tin. In 1681 or 1682, the Siamese king Narai, who was seeking to reduce Dutch and English influence, named Governor of Phuket the French medical missionary Brother René Charbonneau, a member of the Siam mission of the Société des Missions Etrangères. Charbonneau held the position of Governor until 1685.

The French ambassador Chevalier de Chaumont with king Narai.
In 1685, king Narai confirmed the French tin monopoly in Phuket to a French ambassador, the Chevalier de Chaumont. Chaumont's former maître d'hôtel Sieur de Billy was named governor of the island. The French were expelled from Siam in 1688 however, following the 1688 Siamese revolution. On April 10, 1689, the French general Desfarges led an expedition to re-capture the island of Phuket in an attempt to restore some sort of French control in Siam. The occupation of the island led nowhere, and Desfarges returned to Pondicherry in January 1690.

The Burmese attacked Phuket in 1785. Captain Francis Light, a British East India Company captain passing by the island, sent word to the local administration that he had observed Burmese forces preparing to attack. Than Phu Ying Chan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook then assembled what forces they could. After a month-long siege, the Burmese were forced to retreat March 13, 1785. The two women became local heroines, receiving the honorary titles Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon from King Rama I. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Phuket became the administrative center of the tin-producing southern provinces. In 1933 Monthon Phuket was dissolved and Phuket became a province by itself. Old names of the island include Ko Thalang.

2004 Tsunami

Patong Beach on Phuket affected by the tsunami disaster of December 2004.

Tsunami at Kata Noi beach.
Main article: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
On December 26, 2004, Phuket and other nearby areas on Thailand's western coast suffered extensive damage when they were struck by the Boxing Day tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The waves destroyed several highly populated areas in the region, killing as many as 5,300 people nationwide, and tens of thousands more throughout the wider Asian region. As many as 250 people were reported dead in Phuket including foreign tourists and as many as a thousand unreported deaths of illegal Burmese workers building new beach resorts in the Khao Lak area. Almost all the major beaches on the west coast, especially Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, sustained major damage, with some damage also being caused to resorts, property, villages and real estates Phuket on the island's southern beaches.
By February 2005 many damaged and most undamaged proterties were back in business, and throughout 2005 life slowly returned to normal for the people of Phuket. Following strenuous recovery programs, there is no remaining tsunami damage other than at the most remote beaches.
In the beginning of December 2006, Thailand launched the first of 22 U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys to be positioned around the Indian Ocean as part of a regional warning system against giant waves caused by earthquakes under the sea. The satellite-linked deep-sea buoy will float 1,000 km (620 miles) offshore, roughly midway between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Geography
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea of southern Thailand. The island is mostly mountainous with a mountain range in the west of the island from the north to the south. The mountains of Phuket form the southern end of the Phuket mountain range, which ranges for 440 km from the Kra Isthmus. The highest elevation of the island is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes), at 529 m above sea level.
It is estimated that Phuket has a total area of approximately 570 square kilometers (including the province's other islands). Phuket is approximately 536 miles (862 kilometers) south of Bangkok, and covers an area of approximately 134,178 acres (543 square kilometers) excluding small islets. It is estimated that if all its 39 other small islands are included, Phuket Province will cover an area of approximately 145,792 acres (590 square kilometers). The island total length, from north to south, is estimated at 30 miles (48.7 kilometers) and 13 miles (21.3 kilometers) wide.
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.
Forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point. In the mountainous north of the island is the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area, protecting more than 20 km² of rainforest. The three highest peaks of this reserve are the Khao Prathiu (384 m), Khao Bang Pae (388 m) and Khao Phara (422 m). The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area), including the Nai Yang beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.
One of the most popular tourist and condo Phuket areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai. Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Rawai. To the north of Patong are Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong. There are many islands to the southeast, including Bon Island, just a short boat trip away. There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the northwest, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. Islanders engage in a lively tourist trade, catering to snorkellers and scuba divers.

Source: Wikipedia and Apartment Phuket

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Why Buy Property in Phuket?

Why Buy Property in Phuket?
Reasons that make Phuket an attractive location for your Phuket property, holiday home, Phuket condo or place to spend your retirement.
Phuket is Asia's premier resort island with amazing natural beauty including idyllic beaches, amazing diving, first-class hotels, spas, magnificent golf courses, yacht marinas, a plethora of fine restaurants, vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping.
Phuket has one of the fastest growing property markets in the world with an increasing number of high quality real estate Phuket projects by internationally-renowned real estate developers. Environmental-friendly planning laws and height restrictions ensure that developments are low key and low density.
Phuket is Thailand's wealthiest province and also the jewel in the crown of Thailand's tourism industry, therefore receiving a high degree of protection and investment from the central government in Bangkok.
The cost of living in Phuket is very low compared to Europe or other premier resort destinations. In an article titled Paradise Found: Where to Retire Abroad Fortune magazine recently named Phuket as one of the top five places to retire to, “where you can still live like a king on your savings”.
Phuket's appeal is so strong that it was one of the only places in Asia that was unaffected by the Asian economic crisis during the late 1990s. Property values also remained strong even after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Rental returns on Phuket apartments and villas continue to remain high as more and more holidaymakers are opting for the privacy of a rental property over a hotel room. With visitor arrivals predicted to top 6 million in 2008, the demand for holiday rentals will continue to grow.
Infrastructure and services continue to improve at a fast pace. With two international standard hospitals on the island, quality healthcare is available at a fraction of the cost in the West.
English language primary and secondary education is available on the island with international schools that follow the British or American curriculum, including the British Curriculum International School, formerly Dulwich International College.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Condo Phuket

This is a luxury Condo Phuket.  The Charm Phuket is situated in the northern end of Patong Beach. The most popular place to be in Phuket. Thailand premier holiday resort location.

During the day, the beach is the centre of the action in Patong with people relaxing, throwing a Frisbee, swimming (areas are cordoned off to separate swimmers from water sports) or simply chatting with new found friends...
If you're bored with being a beach bum you could hire a jeep and explore the island, or take a local tour to Phang Nga or Phi Phi Island. There are also eco-tours which include canoeing, elephant trekking or snorkelling if you want more then simply sightseeing, or visit some of the local attractions nearby.

Do you belive it? This is just an apartment

At The Charm Phuket, it's only 1 minute from your room to Patong beach. Why this is so great?

Patong
Patong Beach is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket Island. Long recognized as one of the world's Top 10 diving sites, Phuket is now Thailand's most important tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and exciting night life.

The Charm Phuket is located just in front of Patong beach.
You can indulge in the beauty of the sea ready to enchant you relax oneself. Until you feel the pleasure of relaxation or you can change the balance of good room into a haven investment. We are ready to care.
 
Choose the style you feel happy with The Charm Residence.
 
Experience unparalleled relaxation at the The Charm Residence luxury condominium. (With the project area over 3 rai) on the best location of Patong beach. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Surrounded by the atmosphere at a distance from the seaside room only 1 minute easy walk along the nearby community. Shops and restaurants to choose from a wide range. Including Jungceylon and Patong market.
 
Let’s every minute to be a good relaxing time for yourself.