General about Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand about 50 km from north to south and about 20 from west to east.
The island is connected to the main land through the Sarasin and the Thaothep Kasetri bridges in north.
It's population is about 200 000 inhabitants,
of which 60 % are buddists, 35 % muslims, 5 % other religions.
The economy is mainly based upon tourism.
Next to tourism comes the rubber industry.
The Phuket Governour is since spring 2009 Wichai Phraisa-ngop:
Here with his wife Thaisika, chairwoman in the Thai Red Cross. Photo from Phuket Gazette by Kamal Pirat.