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.

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.

On December 26,2004 Phang Nga was one of the places hit hard by a tsunami following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The province was probably the hardest hit in Thailand. Thousands died, including Bhumi Jensen, the grandson of the King of Thailand.

Symbols

Administrative divisions

Phang Nga is subdivided into 8 districts (Amphoe), which are further subdivided into 48 communes (tambon) and 314 villages (mubaan).

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide