The Disconnection of Mu Koh Surin from Surin Province
ROCKIN' IN THE ANDAMAN: MU KOH SURIN AND THE MYSTERIOUS SURINRACHA
If you've ever dropped anchor at Mu Koh Surin's stunning shoreline, you might be surprised to learn the islands' real connection to the name on your map.
You see, this picturesque group of islands nestled in the Andaman Sea has no link to Surin province, the northeastern region of Thailand that's over a thousand kilometers away. Instead, the clues to Mu Koh Surin's moniker lie in a less well-known seafarer whose influence shaped Thailand's nautical history: Phraya Surinracha.
Not your average Surins
Mu Koh Surin is an archipelago off the coast of Phang Nga province, boasting four main isles and a smattering of rocky islets. The area is emblematic of Thailand's marine splendor, teeming with rich coral reefs and abundant marine life. Thanks to its designation as a national park in 1981, this 135-square-kilometer marine sanctuary remains as pristine as it was when the first divers and snorkelers entered its waters.
The name "Surin" is misleading, as the islands share no geographical connection with the other Surin province. Instead, they honor a naval officer whose contributions to Thailand's maritime cartography helped resourcefully chart the Andaman Sea.
Enter stage left: Phraya Surinracha.
From Nokyung to Phraya
Phraya Surinracha, born as Nokyung Wisetkun, spearheaded a royal maritime expedition that named Mu Koh Surin in 1909. The mission aimed to inspect and survey Thailand's southwestern coastline. So it's fitting that the islands would be named in his honor, recognizing the important role he played in Thailand's exploratory maritime journey.
The practice of naming geographical landmarks after influential officials and military figures was common in early 20th-century Thailand. Unsurprisingly, this naval officer was no exception.
And just like that, Mu Koh Surin became synonymous with Phraya Surinracha's legacy of maritime expedition, winning the hearts of travelers seeking adventure in the Andaman Sea.
Conversely, the Surin province in the country's northeast takes its name from a different official appointed during the reign of King Rama I, predating Phraya Surinracha by two centuries. The term "Surin" here signifies local administration rather than coastal cartography.
Despite sharing the same name, both officials represent distinct eras in Thailand's history, bound by their positions of authority and influence but distinctly separate in their stories and contributions to the kingdom.
- TAGS
- Mu Koh Surin National Park
- Surin
- thailand travel
- maritime exploration
- Thai history
- Phraya Surinracha
- Nokyung Wisetkun
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