Phuket
Social Information
People
 Phuket
has a population of 200,000. The main centers of population are on opposite
sides of the island. Phuket Town, with a population of about 63,000, is
located on the east side and Patong Beach, whose population varies widely
depending on the time of year, is located on the west side.
The residents are Thais who migrated from the mainland,
Chinese who arrived to work the tin mines, Muslims of Malaysian extraction
-- many of who come to work the rubber plantations -- and Chao Nam or
sea gypsies -- who may have occupied the area for a millennium or more.
The Chinese now comprise 35 percent of the island’s
population. They differ from those who settled in Bangkok and many other
areas of
Thailand in that they came from the Hokkien region of China, as did those
who settled in Singapore and Malaysia. As elsewhere in Asia, many of the
Chinese have made the transition from providing cheap labor to being merchants.
The Chinese have inter-married with native Thais and have largely been
assimilated into Thai culture. Today the descendants of the early Chinese
settlers are responsible for much of the trade and commerce that take
place on the island.
The influence of Indonesian-Malayan culture is still
apparent today in the ethnic makeup, language, art, and religion of the
southern Thais. About 35% of the Thais living on Phuket are Muslims. Concentrated
mostly around Surin and a few other big villages, they work as rice and
rubber farmers. In addition to Thai and Malay languages many also speak
‘Yawi’, an ancient dialect of the Malayan language.
One of the most interesting groups of people who have
lived on Phuket are the (or Sea Gypsies), traditionally a nomadic peoples
who traveled from cove to cove, staying until the fish and other resources
were depleted. They then moved on, allowing the cove to re-establish its
former ecological balance before returning to repeat the cycle. Their
history and cultural lifestyles are hard to trace as they do not have
a written language. Sea gypsies are said to have originated in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands between India and Burma. They are generally darker
skinned and heavier with curly black hair. They speak their own language
and follow their own animistic religion.
Sea Gypsies consist of three groups. The Mokens still
prefer their ancestral sea nomad-style of living and are commonly found
occupying the islands north of Phuket. The Orung Laut and the Moklens
have settled on coastal areas. There are three Sea Gypsy villages in Phuket.
The one located at Rawai is thought to be the oldest and is visited by
busloads of tourists everyday. Another village is located 8km north of
Phuket Town at Sapam Coast, and a third village is located on Siray Island
which is accessible by bridge from Phuket Town.
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The King, Queen and the Royal Family are genuinely respected
by the Thais. Most homes and businesses, have one or more photographs
of the King or the royal family prominently displayed. Showing any form
of disrespect to the Royal Family will not be appreciated by the Thais
and could cause you serious problems. If you attend a cinema during your
stay, when the portrait of the King is shown on the screen during the
national anthem you are expected to rise and remain standing for the duration.
Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles",
and for its tolerance and hospitality. The simple rule is that if you
smile people will like you. A smile is an easy way to say ‘thank
you" and can also be used to ‘excuse yourself’ for small
inconveniences. A smile is the proper response to acknowledge the wai
or greetings of small children, and with hotel and restaurant staff. Most
of us were raised with the "Golden Rule" and that will work
for you as well in Thailand as it does at home. Nevertheless, we will
provide you with a short list of things that you should know to help you
overcome any ‘culture shock’ you may encounter.
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If you are invited into a Thai home, you are expected
to remove your footwear before entering the door.
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It is considered disrespectful for anyone to put
his feet on the table while sitting. When seated make sure your feet
are not pointed at anyone as this is offensive to Thais.
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Thais regard the head as the highest (purest) part
of the body, so refrain from touching or patting the head in a friendly
gesture because it is considered impolite.
-
It is not proper to lose one’s temper or show
exasperation during a misunderstanding. "Jai yen", or a
"cool heart" the Thais believe will solve the problem.
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 Is
one of the more interesting cultural activities for visitors during their
stay in Thailand. Visitors are welcome and discreet photographs may be
taken. Shoes must be taken off before entering a temple, wearing shorts
or other revealing clothing is frowned upon.
Monks are the most important people in Thai society and must be treated
with respect at all times. A monk’s vow of chastity prohibits him
from touching or being touched by a woman. Women are usually advised to
smile and slightly bow when encountering a monk and maintain enough distance
to prevent any contact with the monk or his robes.
Temple fairs are held during the cool season (November through early March)
to raise money for temple maintenance. They are great fun. There is a
carnival atmosphere lots of good food and a chance to see normal Thai
people enjoying themselves.
 If
you get up early (sunrise) for a walk, you are likely to encounter monks
making their rounds for offering of food. Monks carrying a bowl will be
approached by Thais (usually women) who will offer food to the monks (merit
making). Thailand is a Buddhist country and this ritual can be seen every
day all over the country.
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