Kapong district
{{Short description|District of Thailand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Kapong
| native_name = กะปง
| native_name_lang= th
| settlement_type = District
| image_skyline = Phan-Nga, December 2014 - panoramio (3).jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption =Rommani Sub-district, Kapong District, December 2014
| image_map = Amphoe 8203.svg
| map_caption = District location in Phang Nga province
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Thailand
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| subdivision_name1 = Phang Nga
| subdivision_type2 = Seat
| subdivision_name2 = Tha Na
| subdivision_type3 = Subdistrict
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_type4 = Muban
| subdivision_name4 =
| established_title = District established
| established_date =
| population_total = 12963
| population_as_of = 2005
| population_density_km2 = {{formatnum:22.0|R}}
| area_total_km2 = {{formatnum:588.793|R}}
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| blank_name_sec1 = Postal code
| blank_info_sec1 = 82170
| blank_name_sec2 = Geocode
| blank_info_sec2 = 8203
| timezone = ICT
| utc_offset = +7
| coordinates = {{coord|8|41|48|N|98|24|30|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH|display=inline,title}}
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
Kapong ({{langx|th|กะปง}}, {{IPA|th|kā.pōŋ|pron}}) 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.{{cite news |last1=Mekloy |first1=Pongpet |title=An ocean at the top of the world |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1714492/an-ocean-at-the-top-of-the-world |accessdate=18 July 2019 |work=Bangkok Post |date=18 July 2019}}
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.
| valign=top | {|
! No. ! Name ! Thai name ! Villages ! Pop. | |||
| |1. | Kapong | กะปง | 4 | 1,785 |
| |2. | Mo | เหมาะ | 4 | 2,311 |
| |3. | Tha Na | ท่านา | 4 | 3,819 |
| |4. | Le | เหล | 6 | 2,579 |
| |5. | Rommani | รมณีย์ | 4 | 2,469 |
|}
Places
- Pracha Uthit Bridge: a bridge over Khlong Kapong, a landmark of Kapong.{{cite news |title=Love at Kapong |url=http://www.judprakai.com/explore/1118 |accessdate=15 July 2019 |work=judprakai |date=13 July 2019}}
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.{{cite web|title=Maha'lai muang rae (2005) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454190/|website=IMDb|accessdate=20 January 2018}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100917164832/http://amphoe.com/menu.php?am=388&pv=33&mid=1 amphoe.com] (Thai)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20061011124722/http://www.phangnga.go.th/english/Kapong.htm Tourist attractions in the district at the Phang Nga province website]
{{Amphoe Phang Nga}}