Today, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a major tourist destination with an international reputation. Around 400,000 Thais live on the island, alongside several thousand expats from all over the world who have made it their permanent home, as well as millions of holidaymakers visiting each year. The island is divided into six administrative districts (Amphoe): Phuket City, Kathu, Thalang, Patong, Chalong, and Rawai.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located in the Andaman Sea. The Andaman Sea, part of the eastern Indian Ocean, stretches along the west coast of Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar all the way to India. It is famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and tropical islands such as Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Lanta. The Andaman Sea is a popular destination for divers, snorkellers, and beach lovers alike.
Phuket combines modern infrastructure with a relaxed tropical vibe, from bustling beaches like Patong to tranquil bays such as Nai Harn, and cultural and historic sites in Phuket Town’s old quarter. The island is a melting pot of Thai traditions, Chinese influences, and Western culture, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life.
In the past, the people of Phuket mainly made their living from tin mining and the cultivation of coconuts and rubber. Today, tourism is one of the island’s most important sources of income, although it is largely concentrated in the popular spots along the west coast, such as Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, and Kamala, as well as in the island’s capital, Phuket Town.
Anyone who has holidayed in Patong will surely be familiar with the large Jungceylon shopping centre – a lively hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
You may also have noticed the name “Jungceylon” and wondered where it comes from.
In fact, the name reflects Phuket’s historical significance.
“Jungceylon” is an old European name for what is now the island of Phuket in Thailand. It first appeared in Portuguese and Dutch documents in the 16th century and was later used by the British and other European trading companies.
The name likely combines “Jung” (an old term for “island” or “jungle”) with “Ceylon” (the historic name for Sri Lanka). This designation not only reflects how European traders perceived the island geographically but also highlights its strategic location along Indian Ocean trade routes.
Phuket had been known for its rich tin deposits for centuries, which were especially sought after between the 16th and 19th centuries. Tin was an important raw material for producing metal goods in Europe and China. European traders, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, established commercial relationships with local rulers and Chinese communities who managed the mining operations. Phuket was part of an extensive trade network stretching from Southeast Asia to India, China, and Europe.
The island sat on a key trade route between India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and Southeast Asia. Its harbours served as safe stopovers for international trade, particularly for European merchants transporting tin and spices. Although piracy was a constant threat, the sheltered bays provided protection and allowed trade to flourish.
On European maps, the island appeared under the name Jungceylon, and its harbour facilities laid the foundation for Phuket’s economic success and cultural diversity.
The population of Phuket was a mix of locals, Chinese immigrants, and European trading companies. In particular, the Chinese community played a major role in the tin industry and the island’s economic development. This cultural and economic diversity made Phuket a lively hub of regional trade.
Many place names on Phuket carry historical or cultural significance. Thalang, for example, is the island’s historic administrative centre and is famous for the legendary Thalang sisters, who defended the island against the Burmese in 1785.
Patong likely derives from the Malay word “Patung,” meaning “high coast,” and is today known as a lively beach and tourist hotspot.
Chalong was once an important trading port and has strong ties to Buddhist temples.
Rawai, formerly a fishing village, means “coast” or “beach” and is now a popular destination for visitors.
Historically, Rassada Pier was used for the export of tin and today serves as the departure point for ferries to the Phi Phi Islands.
Wandering through the old town of Phuket Town, you can see the island’s history come to life in the Sino-Portuguese architecture. Colourful shop-houses, ornate facades, and charming streets tell the story of Phuket as a bustling trading hub, where local, Chinese, and European merchants once came together. It’s a place where history feels alive at every corner.
Today’s Perspective
Today, the name Jungceylon is best known because of the shopping centre in Patong, but historically, it serves as a reminder of the island’s international trading past.