General Information

Krabi province located along the Southern Thailand is historically important region for thousands of years. Some of the archeological discoveries in the area like skeletal remains, pottery and tools give proof that humans inhabited Krabi region since 35,000 B.C. In ancient times, the region was known as Ban Thai Samor. The earliest written record of the region was around 1200 A.D. During these times, Krabi was under the Kingdom of Ligor, now known as Nakhon Sri Thammarat. In ancient times, the people of Krabi though illiterate, were one among the twelve towns that used monkey as a standard.

About 200 years back, during the Rattanakosin period, Jao Pray a Nakorn (Noy), the Rajah of Nakorn Sri Thammarat, established an elephant kraal in Krabi. This was done to ensure a steady supply of elephants to the Thai Kingdom, of which Nakorn Sri Thammarat was also a part by then. This resulted in the migration of people from other neighboring regions, which lead to the formation of three divisions namely, Pakasai, Klong Pon and Pak Lao.

These divisions were accorded the status of a town by the King Chulalongkorn in 1872 and given the name Krabi as a tribute to the monkey standard used in the olden times. Until 1875, the town continued to depend on Nakorn Sri Thammarat. However, this changed with the elevation of the town to the fourth level status of the old system. The first governor of the Krabi town was Luang Tehp Sena. The town administrators were reporting directly to Bangkok administration and thus the region began to have a separate identity, different from other regions.

The Krabi administration and the people of the provinces nearby have built a royal palace for Her Majesty, The Queen. This is located at Laem Hahng Nak Cape on the Andaman Coast, 30kms. to the west of Krabi Town.

Geographical features

Krabi province is surrounded by Phang Nga and Surat Thani provinces in the North, Andaman Sea and Trang province in the South, Trang and Nakorn Si Thammarat provinces in the East and Andaman Sea and Phang Nga province in the West. Krabi province is spread over 4700 Sq. kms. of rolling landscape with the highest mountain Khao Phanom Bencha standing tall at 1,350m.

The 160 km. long coastline of Krabi has capes and bays dotting it, which gives it a scraggy look in the aerial view. Also seen are limestone mountains jutting out of sea. The coastal line of Krabi is almost entirely covered by mangrove forests with rich and diverse fauna and flora. The deciduous forests found in inland Krabi are mostly reserved areas, which supports a variety of plant and animal life.

Proximity of Krabi to nearby towns

Phang Nga – 86 km
Trang – 131 km
Phuket – 176 km
Phattalung – 193 km
Surat Thani – 211 km
Nakhon Si Thammarat – 233 km
Satun – 276 km

Industry

Krabi, with its bountiful natural beauty, varying landscapes and biodiversity is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. This has lead to the development of tourist industry here. The traditional occupation of the people is agriculture with rubber, coffee, coconut, palm oil and oranges being the main crops. Rubber is the major cash crop with palm oil and coconut coming second and third. In the coastal areas, fishing is a main means of livelihood. Fishing is done mostly using traditional methods. Shrimp and cockle farming are recent developments. Grouper farming is also very popular in Krabi.

Weather

Like all tropical regions, Krabi is warm all through the year with two very hot spells during April-May and September-October. During September-October, it also rains. The best months to visit Krabi are during November to March, when the cool breeze keeps humidity under control.

The average daytime temperature varies between 75°F and 89°F (24°C and 32°C). During summer months, the temperature hovers between 80°F and 95°F (27°C and 36°C). During summer, sudden thundershowers are common, which help to cool down the temperature.

In the months of June, July and August, the weather is bearable and the tourist places less crowded. There will be short spells of thundershowers, but the sunshine in between brightens things up tremendously. This is the cheapest time to visit Krabi. The average temperature will be between 70°F and 90°F (20°C and 33°C).

The monsoon spell during September-October drives many locals abroad. Those who remain can enjoy the empty restaurants and beaches. The season is made colorful by the multi-colored umbrellas. Though it rains, Krabi still receive long spells of sunshine during this season. This makes it possible to have indoor and outdoor activities on both land and water.

Governance

For administration purposes, Krabi is divided into eight districts. They are 1. Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town) 2. Khao Panom 3. Khlong Thom 4. Plai Phraya 5. Ko Lanta 6. Nuea Khlong 7. Ao Luek 8. Lam Thap

Topographical features

Krabi administration covers about 130 islands of varying sizes in the Andaman Sea. These consist of both plains and elevated regions. The highest mountain range of the province is Kao Panom Benja, from which many rivers and streams start and flows into Andaman Sea. Krabi River is the most prominent of them all. The coastal line of Krabi is dotted with mangrove forests and Cassia trees are found all over the region. The sandy clay soil of Krabi is suitable for growing a variety of crops like rubber, coconut, palm oil, coffee and oranges.

Population

As on 31 March 2001, Krabi’s population was 366,919.

Means of Communication

Thai Postal Service is trustworthy and efficient. The EMS service may be used for faster and safer delivery. Krabi’s main post office is on Uttarakit Road near the Customs Pier. The postal services are open from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. International phone calls, fax and Internet services are available all over the town including post offices and hotels. Internet centers are coming up everywhere, especially at places where the tourists frequent.

Banking

Present in Krabi Town are many banks, operating from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm from Monday to Friday, except on public and bank holidays. The Currency Exchange Centers operate all the seven days a week including holidays from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm, for the convenience of the tourists.

Some helpful telephone numbers

Hospitals Krabi Hospital 611-202, 611-210, 611-2203
Koh Lanta Hospital 697-017, 697-100
Ao Lak Hospital 681-159, 681-510
Tourist Assistance Tourism Authority 212-213
Immigration Office 612-740
Provincial Tourist Police 637-308
Provincial Travelers Assistance Centre 612-740