History of Takua Pa (1638-1650)
Takua Pa or Takola It is a community that has prospered since ancient times. Settled along the Takua Pa River as a port city and center of trade for many nations. Most archaeological scholars believe that Ancient Takuapa Community or Muang Takola It happened about 2,000 years ago, that is, among the Indians who lived in the south in the region of Kalingaratha.
They migrated to escape the war and set up communities in many places in the Malay Peninsula. Including the ancient Takua Pa community that shows evidence that it occurred around the 6th Buddhist century in the area of Ban Thung Tuek and the end of Khlong Muang (Moo 3, Ko Kho Khao Subdistrict, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province at present). Much evidence has been excavated such as beads, pottery, crockery tools and idols in Brahmanism Mueang Takola is therefore widely known by many peoples, such as Indians, Chinese, Arabs, Persians, etc. The earliest Thai settlement began here around the 18th century to mine tin ore, called “Takua Pa”. It is assumed that the name is Mueang Tako. Donkey is called in the Thai accent “Donkey”.
Takua Pa City which appears in history again in the reign of King Ekathotsarot of Ayutthaya (1638-1650 AD) and in the Thonburi period. There is evidence that the city of Takua Pa has always had a governor or government official.
During the Rattanakosin period, 1782, the War of the Nine Armies occurred. The Burmese army came to attack the southern provinces. Hit the city of Chumphon Chaiya. Nakhon Si Thammarat and Takua Pa in 1809, the Burmese raised their army to attack the southern provinces again. Muang Takua Pa at that time was located at Ban Takua Pa (Moo 8, Khok Khian Subdistrict, Amphoe Takua Pa today). The ruler of Takua Pa at that time was named Phraya Takua Pa (U), the city of Takua Pa, was completely destroyed by the Burmese. People have fled into the forest. and another part fled to the mouth of the Phang Nga River. (Today’s Phang Nga City), causing Takua Pa to eventually become a deserted city. Later, in the reign of King Rama III, it was necessary to restore the city because the coastal city was like the border of the country.
If left abandoned for a long time, it may be dangerous to the country. Therefore, the city was founded again in the area of Ban Talat Yai. The creation of a new city began with the construction of temples. It is now called Wat Na Muang before the governor’s residence was built nearby.
In addition, the geography of the old market was considered an important strategy in the founding of the city. Because there is a river surrounding it on three sides and mountains to the west can protect the city well, that is, transportation, trade, and battle are important factors in the settlement of Takua Pa. The city of Takua Pa was most prosperous due to the mining of a large amount of minerals. Since the reign of King Rama V, the city of Takua Pa has been organized as a province, consisting of 3 districts, namely Takua Pa District Khuraburi District and Kapong District until the year 1913 when the city was moved to be located at Ban Yan Yao. Takua Pa Subdistrict is the current Takua Pa District and is the center of the prosperity of Takua Pa until the present.
However, due to the shallow water source, navigation is not possible as before. This made the importance of Baan Talad Yai no longer important. In the Takua Pa city area, there was no fort, moat, and city wall that clearly showed evidence. There is only the Takua Pa River that separates it to the east. And there is Bang Muang Canal flowing to meet the Takua Pa River from the west. It is a natural fortress that acts to block the city on almost all sides.
Takua Pa is a city that prospered from mining. From the early Rattanakosin period Until the 1970s when mining operations gradually closed down. The bustle of the city began to stagnate and eventually became lonely. However, it is a picture of the glorious days of Takua Pa. Still bright In the memories of those who were born and raised and live in this old city.
In the past, it was a large city that prospered from foreigners who came to do business. Including a large number of Chinese people who came to mine tin and build houses. Making the city of Takua Pa at that time become an important port city in the southern region for trade and cultural exchange from China, India, and Arabia. The aura of the old city of Takua Pa. that can still be felt today is Houses with Sino-European architecture Most of them are located on 5 important roads: Sri Takua Pa Road, Udom Tara Road, Klan Kaew Road, Montree 2 Road, and Na Muang Road. In addition to using it as a residence Some buildings have been transformed into cafes. and various shops interspersed with street art that tells the city’s long history. Every Sunday evening on Sri Takua Pa Road There will be a walking street in Takua Pa. Selling a wide variety of local food and snacks to choose from.
