Introduction

Location & Boundaries | Geography | Climate | Government |
Population | Radio, TV & Communications | Business |

Government

The island is divided into 3 districts, Thalang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south.

Thailand's system of government relies upon a strong central authority, thus the Provincial Governor is a civil servant appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the Nai Amphoe, or District Chief.

The cities of Phuket and Patong have their own city governments, with elected city councils, the leading members of which serve as mayor.

There are also elected provincial, district, and sub-district, or Tambon councils. The local constabulary is part of the Interior.

Population

Official population, as of December, 1998, was 231,206. However, this figure only covers those people who are registered as living in Phuket.

Phuket' s attraction as a center of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration is elsewhere.

The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending on the time of year, though it is never less than the figure given above.