 |
History
|
Surat Thani,
an ancient city since prehistoric times was first populated
by the local Semang and Malayan tribes in the basin of Tapi
River and Ban Don bay. Later it became a center of Indian
immigration and the growth of Indian civilization. Before
the 8th century, this kingdom was on the trade
route connecting China, India, the Middle East and even the
Roman Empire with Southeast Asia. Some 1,500 years
ago, having been the center of the Mahayana Buddhist, Srivijaya
Empire of Indian culture, Surat Thani dominated the
Malay Peninsula and Java. Discoveries in the ancient city
in Chaiya district indicate the empire’s grandeur including
Avakijutesvara Bodhisattva bronzes which are masterpieces
of Buddhist art.
During the
6-13th centuries, Chaiya and Ban Don in Surat Thani were the
busiest commercial centers in the Malayan Peninsula for trade
with the western world's merchants and China. They were also
important ports for trade with the western world when the
British, Dutch, Portuguese and other colonial powers developed
trade routes through the Straits of Malacca. Nowadays, for
most visitors, Surat Thani is only a stop on the way to the
spectacular Samui and Phangan Islands.
After the
fall of the Srivijaya Empire, the kingdom was divided
into three main cities: Chaiya, Thatong, and Kirirat which
were taken over by Nakhon Si Thammarat. In 1915 AD, King Rama
VI organized the provincial administration and gathered these
three cities as one whole province named Surat Thani after
the characteristics of kindness, good etiquette, and strict
morality belonging to its people.
Back to Top
|
|
