Phang Nga is the modern Thai transliteration of the archaic Malay word pangan, literally 'jungle'. The phrase orang pangan denotes 'heathen, pagan, primitive people', in reference to a generalised tribe or people typically inhabiting jungle areas of the Malay Peninsula and its offshore islands.
History
Historically, during the reign of King Rama II, nearby areas were occupied by the Burmese and so many people fled to Kraphu Nga. In 1824 when Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and they were expelled, King Rama III renamed the area adjacent to the bay phang-nga. This bastardisation of Malay pangan offers indicates that the entire region may have been populated by Orang Asli or other aboriginal peoples. In 1933 the town was promoted to provincial status. On the morning of26 December 2004 the Andaman Sea coastline of the province was devastated by a tsunami and thousands lost their lives. The Khura Buri District, particularly Ko Phra Thong, has been called a "smuggler's paradise" and thus a key entry point into Thailand for human trafficking, Rohingya, Uighur, and Syrian refugees particularly.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows the Phu Khao Chang mountains in the background, with city hall in front. It also shows a dredge to represent the tin mining in the province. The provincial slogan is, "Massive mining industry, Ban Klang Nam 'floating house', delightful caves, strangely shaped hills, Jampun flower, rich in resources". The provincial tree is the Cinnamomum porrectum, and the provincial flower is Anaxagorea javanica.
Administrative divisions
Provincial government
Phang Nga is divided into eight districts, which are further divided into 48 subdistricts and 314 villages.
Local government
As of 26 November 2019 there are: one Phang Nga Provincial Administration Organisation and 15 municipal areas in the province. Phang Nga and Takua Pa have town status. Further 13 subdistrict municipalities. The non-municipal areas are administered by 36 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO.
Transportation
Roads: Hwy 4 is the main route that connects all districts in Phang Nga. Hwy 401 connects Phang Nga to Surat Thani. Hwy 402 connects Phang Nga to Phuket Province. Hwy 4090 connects Muang to Kapong District.
Railways: There is no rail system in Phang Nga Province. The nearest railway station is at Phunphin, Surat Thani Province.
Bus: There are frequent buses to Bangkok and other provinces. There are also non air conditioned intra-provincial buses.
Public transit: songthaews are the most popular mode of public transportation in Phang Nga.
Motorbike-taxi: These are found mainly in Phang Nga town and are used mainly for very short distances. Charges correspond to distance traveled.
Ao Phang Nga National Park was declared a national park in 1981. It has scenic views and features mass limestone formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. The same factors contribute to the density of caves in the area. The park is fertile with mangroves and there are a number of islands in the vicinity.
Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies an area of and covers Thai Mueang District, Kapong District, Takua Pa District, and Mueang District. The interesting attractions are: Khao Lak, which has the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine, Laem Pakarang which has groves of pine, making it good for camping and relaxation, and Namtok Ton Chong Fa or Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park The park occupies an area of. It was declared a national park on 14 April 1988. Interesting attractions in the park include: Namtok Lampi is a 6-tiered waterfall that runs all year round; Namtok Ton Phrai, a huge waterfall that runs all year round; and Hat Thai Mueang, a long beach where the Sea Turtle Festival is held annually.
