Phuket & Bangtao Mining Museum

The Phuket & Bangtao Mining Museum, found in a rather remote area of Kathu district, tells the story of the island’s tin-powered history.

Phuket’s Tin Mining Industry, for centuries, along with the rubber and fishing industries has thrived. During the 17th century the British, Dutch and then eventually the French were all in competition for the tin that Phuket‘s Tin Mining Industry produced. The worldwide industrial revolution being partly to blame, as this was a time of great demand, especially for precious metals, and prices were high and business was good.

Phuket even in the 1930’s would be unrecognizable than the place it has become today. Almost 300 lakes and huge craters scarred Phuket, as thousands of men pillaged the beautiful countryside in order to find as much tin as possible.

Tin was obtained originally by panning the water of local streams, rivers and waterfalls. However, as demand grew so did the size and technical workings of the mining equipment; one can not only see but also imagine the damage this caused.

So for centuries, tin mining has been very important to Phuket, right up to the early 80’s in fact. Since then Phuket has had to rely on other methods to make money, including farming, fishing and now tourism. Tin mining died out in the 1980’s mainly due to the explosion of cheaper plastic materials becoming available and hitting the market.

One of the three highlights in Phuket Mining Museum is the scaled model of a mine with hundred figurines at work, probably the most photographed part of the museum. The second would be the caves with wax prehistoric men hidden behind corners

Opened in August 2009, Phuket Mining Museum is a very informative cultural and historical attraction. It was built in the Sino-Portuguese style similar to the vintage mansions belong to the well-to-do Chinese families scattered around the old Phuket Town area.

At first the entrance was free and donations were accepted. Now there’s a reasonable fixed fee; For Thais 50 baht per adult and 20 baht per child and for foreigners 100 baht per adult and 50 baht per child.

Phuket Mining Museum Opening Hours:
Mon to Sat from 08:00 – 16:00, closed on Sundays Location: On the road between Loch Palm Golf Club and British International School. You can’t miss the entrance: a Sino-Portuguese style double archway Tel: +66 (0) 88 766 0962

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