Phang Nga province

Statistics
Capital:	Phang Nga[?]
Area:	4,170.0 km² Ranked 53th
Inhabitants:	234,188 (2001) Ranked 71st
Pop. density:	56 inh./km² Ranked 69th
ISO 3166-2:	TH-82
Map

Phang Nga (Thai พังงา) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. To the south is the Phuket province, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.

Table of contents 1 Geography 2 History 3 Symbols 4 Administrative divisions 5 External links

Geography

The province is located on the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and includes many islands in the Andaman Sea. The most famous one is the so-called James Bond Island, a needle formed limestone rock in the sea, which featured in the movie The Man With the Golden Gun[?]. The Ao Phang-Nga (Phang-Nga Bay) National Park was established in 1981 to protect the many fascinating islands.

History

In the 18th century there were three cities of comparable status in the area - Takuapa, Takuatung and Phang Nga. The city Phang Nga was probably created in 1809 during the reign of King Rama II[?], during one of the wars with neighboring Burma. The city Thaland on Phuket was razed, and the citizens were ordered to relocate to Phang Nga. In order to strengthen the defense in the strategic important area in 1840 Phang Nga became a province, and Takuatung was reduced in status as a district. In 1931 Takuapa was also incorporated into the province.

Symbols

The seal shows the Phu Khao Chang mountains in the background, and the City Hall in front. It also shows a dredge to represent the tin mining in the province. The provincial tree is Cinnamomum porrectum[?], and the provincial flower is Anaxagorea javanica[?].

Administrative divisions

Amphoe (districts)
Mueang Phangnga Ko Yao Kapong Takua Thung	Takua Pa Khura Buri Thap Put Thai Mueang