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History
    Phuket
Island has a rich tradition and a long history
with many influences from the east as well as from the
west. Phuket (pronounced 'Poo-Ket') Island is commonly
referred to as the 'Pearl of the South' and is
the largest island in Thailand.
    The
island's name is derived from the Tamil Manikram, Meaning
Crystal Mountain.
    In
1518 the Portuguese were granted permission by King
Rama Thibodi II of Ayutthaya to set up a tin trading
station in Phuket. During King Narai's reign, 1656-1688,
French Ambassador Chevalier de Chaumont noted the importance
of Phuket tin for the Ayutthaya's Royal exchequer.
    Tin
mines also opened in neighbouring Takua Pha ("lead
forest") in Phang Nga, and in Ranong. The temptation
of tin was too much for the warring Burmese. They invaded
Phuket four times 1785-1812, prompting a refugee exodus
to eastern Phang Nga. When Burma fell to the British
in 1824, peaceful trading expanded in the Andaman during
the reign of King Rama III, 1824-51.
    The
boom of tin mines in Phuket encouraged, thousands of
impoverished Chinese migrated to Phuket in the mid 19th
century.
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