Phuket, located on Thailand’s western coastline in the Andaman Sea (part of the Indian Ocean), is a world-renowned tourist destination famous for its natural beauty, including white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush hills. Known as the "Pearl of the Andaman," Phuket is a hub for international and domestic tourism, enhanced by its international airport that facilitates access for millions of visitors each year.

Covering an area of approximately 543 square kilometers, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of its smallest provinces by land area, second only to Samut Songkhram. The island stretches 48.7 kilometers from north to south and is about 21.3 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Phuket is also surrounded by over 30 smaller islands.

Historically, the name "Phuket" is believed to derive from the Malay word "Bukit," meaning "hill," or possibly from the Tamil word for "crystal mountain." Formerly known by various names, such as Thalang and Junk Ceylon, Phuket has a long history, including a period under the ancient Kingdom of Tambralinga and later, during the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai periods, as a key location for tin mining. Tin mining attracted foreign traders and laid the foundations for a prosperous economy, supplemented over time by rubber plantations, coconut groves, and fishing.

A significant historical event occurred in 1785, during the Nine Armies' War under King Rama I, when Phuket faced an attempted invasion by Burmese forces. With the passing of Thalang's ruling noble, his widow, Lady Chan, and her sister, Mook, organized the local population to defend the island, ultimately driving the Burmese forces back after a month-long siege. King Rama I honored their bravery by bestowing the titles “Thao Thep Krasattri” and “Thao Si Sunthon” on the sisters, memorializing them as heroes of Phuket.

In the reign of King Rama V, Phuket became the administrative center of the western coastal provinces, known as "Monthon Phuket." This structure remained until 1933, when the monthon system was abolished, and Phuket officially became a province with three districts: Mueang Phuket, Thalang, and Kathu.