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The numerous islands
along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway
for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the
Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbor – Ko Pha Ngan – a
celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. To top it all
is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a
stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed
beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy
one of these islands to the fullest is from April – November.
History of Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was
once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang
and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and
Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread
out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities
in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.
In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as
some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire –the kingdom that dominated
the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana
Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empire’s grandeur can still
be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.
When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main
cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction
of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban
Don and required that it report directly to Bangkok’s administration. The name Ban Don was, at
the time, changed to “Kanchanadit”. It was with the establishment
of the “Monthon”, a former administrative unit, that all three cities
were merged into one under the name “Chaiya”. In 1915, King Rama
VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.
The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda
of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist
on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical
place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.
Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub
for rubber and coconut trading.
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