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History
The history of Trat, formerly known as Muang Thung
yai, could be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of Ayuthya
(1635). According to a historic recor, Trat, a coastal town affiliated
to the foreign affairs administration, played a key role in stabilizing the
country's economy. With premium location, the town has later become a
glorious community of Chinese merchants.
In 1767, Trat acted as a confrontation city and had
provided provisions to King Taksin the Great efore he led his navy from
Chanthaburi to successfully drive Burmese troops out of Thai territory.
In Early Rattanakosin period, Trat was under the
supervision of the harbor department. later in the reign of King Rama ||| of
Bangkok, Thai-Vietnam war took place. As most important source of forces and
provisions, the town was improved and strengthened by construction of
fortress in Ban laem Hin located close to Trat harbor.
Boundary
North - Adjacent to
Amphur Khlung, Chanthaburi and Cambodia.
South - Adjacent to sea in
Amphur Klong yai, with 165 kms coastal line.
East - Adjacent
to the Bantad mountain ranges acting as the border line between Thailand and
Cambodia.
West - Adjacent to
Amphur khlung, Chanthaburo.
Colonization
After
having successfully occupied Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, France during the
reign of King Rama V of Bangkok tried to capture Thailand. Chanthaburi was
the first town seized by French navy in 1893. To set this coastal town
free, in 1904 France forced Thailand to allow it to take over Trat instead.
Due to Trat's strategic importance and the majority
of its pupulation being Thai, King Rama V made an agreement with French
government of March 23, 1906 to get Trat back. In doing so, Thailand had to
offer Phra Tabong, Siamrat and Sri Sophon to Frace instead. In commemoration
of King Rama V's prestige and talent, Trat people consider the 23rd
of March as their important day. Special celebration is
annually held on this day. Koh Chang naval battle
During the Indochina war
(1940-1941), French navy tried its best to capture Trat again. On January
17, 1941, the French-Thai battle book place at Koh Chang. With estimable
bravery, Thai navy successfully drove French navy out of Thai territorial
waters. The battle is so far known as "Koh Chang maval battle."
As a business hub between Thailand and Indochina region, Trat, with
120-Km border close to Cambodia is situated about 315 Kms away from Bangkok.
Besides an area of 2,819 su.kms or 1,761,875 rai, the province occupies an
area of about 7,257 sq.kms on 52 islands. Koh Chang, the country's second
largest island, is very renowned as tourism attraction. Blessed with natural
wonders like high mountain ranges, tropical jungle, rivers, coastal lines,
beaches, islands and waterfalls, Trat is considered as the eastern paradise
of the coutry.
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