Phuket Gateway

On the occasion of King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007, the Phuket Gateway was established on 10 acres of land in Thalang District to be the first stop to welcome tourists who arrive on the Island by crossing Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge. Its outstanding feature is the alignment of 29 sculptural pillars. The number of pillars comes from the auspicious numbers 2 and 9, which respectively represent the two heroines in the war with Burma in 1785, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon and the 9th king of the Chakkri Dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Tourists can appreciate arts, culture, and Phuket’s history, which are inscribed on each pillar. The inscriptions cover the prosperous mining and agricultural periods, and today’s tourist industry. Another interesting point here is the sculptural works of art displaying a sea turtle and several of its gigantic eggs. Furthermore, the tourist information, a mini-theatre, coffee corner, souvenir shops as well as a library, and the Internet are provided.