Surat Thani (Thai สุราษฎร์ธานี) is a city in southern Thailand. It is the capital of the province Surat Thani, and sometimes referred as Mueang Surat Thani to more clearly distinguish it from the province.

The city has a population of 122,998 (2004), covered an area of 68.97 square kilometer and the city's density is 1783.36 inhabitant per sq.km, and is located at , at the mouth of the river Tapi to the Gulf of Thailand. The city as no touristical attractions and is thus only known to tourists as a transfer to the nearby Ko Samui island.

City pillar shrine in Surat Thani

It forms the regional commercial center, with a sea port dealing in the main products of the province, rubber and coconuts.

History

The city received its name by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1915. The name means City of Good People, and was given to the city due to the high devotion of the locals to Buddhism. Previously the city was known as Bandon, which means Village on higher ground.

Since 1969 Surat Thani is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Surat Thani, responsible for the about 6000 catholic christians in southern Thailand.

Traffic

Surat Thani is connected with Bangkok with the southern railway, even though the actual train station is in Phunphin, about 15km away from city. Asian highway 2 also passes the city at Phunphin. A regional airport, Surat Thani International Airport, is about 30km from the city. Some ferries to Ko Samui start at the city itself, but the main ferry station is at Don Sak, 40km east of the city.

Administration

The Amphoe Mueang is subdivided into 11 communes (tambon). The Amphoe has a population of 166,891 (2004), and covers an area of 233.8 km².

External links

• Surat Thani City Website (Thai only)