Ranong history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Ranong is inextricably linked to the region's natural wealth. Initially, this territory was a small settlement administratively dependent on neighbouring Chumphon. The name of the city, according to one of the most common versions, comes from a distorted Thai phrase "Rae Nong", which can be translated as "mineral in the hollow" or "tin tray", directly pointing to the main treasure of these lands.

The full establishment of Ranong as an important administrative centre began in the Rattanakosin era, in the mid-19th century (during the reign of King Rama III), when global demand for tin ore increased, and the region began to attract close attention from the central authorities of Siam.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Ranong from a remote coastal village into a prosperous city was driven by a combination of several important circumstances:

• The Tin Boom: The discovery of rich tin deposits became the main engine of the economy. Mining operations required labour and competent management, leading to a significant influx of capital and people.
• Political Will and Chinese Influence: A key role in development was played by the Chinese entrepreneur Khaw Soo Cheang. Due to his success in the mining business, he received a noble title from the King and was appointed governor, laying the foundations for the province's infrastructure.
• Geography and Logistics: The location on the narrow Kra Isthmus and direct access to the Andaman Sea facilitated the development of active maritime trade with neighbouring Burma and British colonies in Malaya (particularly with Penang).

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

The economy of early Ranong was built almost exclusively on the mining, processing, and export of tin. This formed a unique cultural landscape in the city, distinct from the agrarian regions of the country.

The massive influx of Chinese immigrants (predominantly of Hokkien descent) led to a blending of Thai and Chinese traditions. This cultural fusion, known as "Baba-Nyonya" (or Peranakan) culture, is vividly reflected in the local architecture (the famous Sino-Portuguese style), gastronomy, and religious rites, which are preserved in Ranong to this day.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1854: Chinese entrepreneur Khaw Soo Cheang is appointed ruler of the city, launching large-scale tin mining and economic growth.
• 1862: Ranong officially receives the status of a province reporting directly to Bangkok, and its governor is awarded a high noble title.
• 1890: King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visits the province for the first time and stays at the specially built wooden Rattana Rangsan Palace.
• 1901: The introduction of modern dredging technologies opens the port to large merchant vessels.
• 1916: During administrative reform, Ranong is included in the Phuket Circle (Monthon Phuket) to improve the management of the western coast.
• 1933: Following the change in Thailand's system of government, Ranong becomes an independent province in the modern sense.
• 1959: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) visits the region, promoting the development of infrastructure and the road network.
• 1983: Laem Son National Park is founded, placing unique coastal ecosystems and islands under protection.
• 1997: UNESCO includes the province's extensive mangrove forests in the global network of biosphere reserves.
• 2004: The province's coast faces the consequences of the Indian Ocean tsunami, leading to the creation of new safety systems.
• 2015: The large-scale reconstruction of the historic Rattana Rangsan Palace is completed, becoming a museum and symbol of the city.

Key Stages of the City's Development

The history of Ranong is a journey from a mining settlement to an important trading port and a centre for eco-tourism. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• The Era of the Na Ranong Dynasty (Mid-19th Century)

  The appointment of Khaw Soo Cheang as governor and the subsequent administration of the province by his descendants laid the economic foundation of the city. It was during this period that the unique urban layout and architectural style formed, combining Chinese and Portuguese elements, while revenues from tin allowed for the construction of the first permanent buildings.

• Visit of King Rama V and Palace Construction (1890)

  The monarch's arrival became a catalyst for urban changes. To receive the King, the teak Rattana Rangsan Palace was erected on Niwes Kheri Hill. This event not only raised the city's prestige but also facilitated the laying of the first telegraph lines and the improvement of the road network.

• Administrative Autonomy (1933)

  After Thailand's transition to a constitutional monarchy, Ranong was finally established as an independent administrative unit. This allowed the city to form its own budget and develop social infrastructure — schools and hospitals — independent of neighbouring regions.

• Reorientation to Maritime Trade and Fisheries (Second half of the 20th Century)

  As tin reserves were depleted, the city repurposed its economy. Thanks to its geographical position, the port of Ranong became a key hub for trade with Myanmar and countries of the Indian Ocean, as well as a major centre for the fish processing industry.

• UNESCO Natural Heritage Recognition (1997)

  The inclusion of the province's mangrove forests in the network of biosphere reserves changed the vector of development towards ecology. The city began to position itself as the "Green Gateway" of the south, limiting harmful industries and developing infrastructure for nature tourism.

• Development of the Wellness Cluster (2000s – Present)

  The modernization of the zones around the Raksa Warin hot springs turned this natural resource into a city brand. The improvement of parks and bathing areas has made Ranong a popular destination for medical and wellness tourism, attracting a stream of travellers focused on health.

Architectural Portrait of the City

The architectural appearance of Ranong is not frozen history, but a living testimony to the fusion of cultures. The urban development was formed under the influence of the mining past, Chinese immigration, and royal visits, creating a unique visual array distinct from central Thailand.

Eras and Styles

In Ranong, several key architectural directions can be distinguished, corresponding to different stages of the city's development:

• Sino-Portuguese Style (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

  This style, characteristic of the tin belt cities (like Phuket Town), became the hallmark of the historic centre. It combines Chinese practicality with European decorative elements.

  Characteristic features: Two-story shophouses (shop below, residence above), arched windows, stucco moulding on facades, and internal courtyards for ventilation. Ruang Rat Road is the best place to see preserved examples of this era.

• Wooden Architecture and Tropical Colonialism (Rama V Era)

  The period of Siam's modernization and royal visits brought more refined forms to the city, adapted to the humid climate.

  Landmark object: Rattana Rangsan Palace (replica). The original building was constructed from teak wood. The style is characterized by spacious verandas, carved elements, and a raised foundation, typical of the "gingerbread" architecture of Southeast Asia of that time.

• Traditional Thai Style (Timeless)

  The city's religious structures follow the canons of Buddhist architecture, albeit with a slight influence of Burmese traditions due to the proximity of the border.

  Landmark object: Wat Suwan Khiri. The temple is distinguished by multi-tiered roofs, rich gilding, and skilful painting, serving as the spiritual dominant of the province.

Urban Development

The layout of Ranong is dictated by the complex landscape: the city is sandwiched between a mountain range and the mangrove forests of the Andaman coast.

• Linear Structure: The city stretches along the main Phetkasem Road, following the terrain.
• Landscape Transformation: A unique feature of Ranong's urban planning is the revitalization of industrial zones. Former tin quarries were not filled in but transformed into picturesque lakes and public parks, harmoniously integrated into the urban environment.
• Resort Zone: A modern cluster with parks and wellness centres has formed around the Raksa Warin hot springs, where the architecture strives for eco-friendliness and minimalism.

The Na Ranong Dynasty: Founders of the City

The history of Ranong is inextricably linked with the influential Na Ranong clan, which transformed this region from jungle into a thriving industrial centre. Representatives of this family governed the province for several generations.

• Khaw Soo Cheang (Phraya Damrong Sucharit)
  Role: First Governor of Ranong, entrepreneur, patriarch of the clan.
  Significance: A Chinese immigrant whose enterprising spirit initiated the "tin era" in the region. He received a concession for tin mining and was appointed ruler of the city by King Rama IV. His legacy is immortalized in a family tomb and a statue in the city centre.
• Khaw Sim Kong (Phraya Rattanasethi)
  Role: Second Governor of Ranong.
  Significance: Son of Khaw Soo Cheang, who continued his father's work. It was he who oversaw the construction of the famous teak Rattana Rangsan Palace for the reception of King Rama V in 1890. Under him, the city received a modern layout and strengthened trade ties with Penang.
• Khaw Sim Bee (Phraya Ratsadanupradit)
  Role: Administrator, High Commissioner of the Phuket Circle.
  Significance: Although he became famous as a reformer of all southern Thailand and Governor of Trang, Khaw Sim Bee was born in Ranong and was part of the ruling dynasty. He introduced rubber cultivation, which forever changed the region's economy.

Royal Figures in the City's History

Visits by monarchs became turning points in the development of Ranong's infrastructure and status.

• King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
  Role: King of Siam (1868–1910).
  Significance: His historic visit in 1890 became a symbol of recognition of the province's importance. A palace was erected on the hill especially for him, which today is the city's main historical attraction. The King personally named many streets and bridges in Ranong.
• King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
  Role: King of Thailand (1946–2016).
  Significance: Visited Ranong in 1959. This visit provided the impetus for the construction of proper roads connecting the remote province with the rest of the country and facilitated the development of social infrastructure.