Kapong district explained

Official Name:Kapong
Native Name:กะปง
Native Name Lang:th
Settlement Type:District
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Thailand
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Phang Nga
Subdivision Type2:Seat
Subdivision Name2:Tha Na
Subdivision Type3:Subdistrict
Subdivision Type4:Muban
Established Title:District established
Population Total:12963
Population As Of:2005
Blank Name Sec1:Postal code
Blank Info Sec1:82170
Blank Name Sec2:Geocode
Blank Info Sec2:8203
Timezone:ICT
Utc Offset:+7
Coordinates:8.6967°N 98.4083°W

Kapong (Thai: กะปง, in Thai pronounced as /kā.pōŋ/) is a district (amphoe) in Phang Nga province in south Thailand.

Geography

The district is surrounded by several neighboring districts, with Phanom of Surat Thani province to the north, and moving clockwise, Mueang Phang Nga, Thai Mueang, and Takua Pa.

A significant portion of the district's forested area forms part of the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.

Within the district, particularly in the Le Subdistrict, is the highest geographical point, Phu Ta Jo. This peak is signposted with an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters. Historically, the summit and its slopes were utilized for tin mining operations, which have since ceased operations several decades ago.[1]

History

The district derives its name from Khlong Kapong, a natural canal that traverses the region. The canal and its surrounding areas retain much of their natural characteristics, with sections encompassing both forested and cultivated land.

Historically, Kapong was an integral part of Takua Pa or Takola. In earlier times, it served as a trading post, frequented by Indian traders, indicating its significance in regional commerce. The discovery of mineral deposits in the area marked a significant shift in its economic landscape. This development led to an increase in the district's prominence and economic activity, culminating in its elevation to the status of a full district during the years 1896–1897.

Administration

Kapong district is divided into five sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 22 villages (mubans). Tha Na has township (thesaban tambon) status and covers parts of tambon Tha Na. There are four tambon administrative organizations (TAO). Tambon Kapong is administered by a neighboring tambon.

No.NameThai nameVillagesPop.    
1.Kapongกะปง41,785
2.Moเหมาะ42,311
3.Tha Naท่านา43,819
4.Leเหล62,579
5.Rommaniรมณีย์42,469

Places

In literature and film

The district is the setting for the semi-autobiographical short stories of Ajin Panjapan about the four years, from 1949–1953, he worked there on a tin mining dredge. The stories were converted to film in the 2005 Thai movie, The Tin Mine (Maha'lai muang rae), directed by Jira Maligool.[3]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Mekloy . Pongpet . An ocean at the top of the world . 18 July 2019 . Bangkok Post . 18 July 2019.
  2. News: Love at Kapong . 15 July 2019 . judprakai . 13 July 2019.
  3. Web site: Maha'lai muang rae (2005) . IMDb. 20 January 2018.