Phraya Ratsadanupradit Monument (Kho Simbe Na Ranong)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

The Phraya Ratsadanupradit Monument, also known as the Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong Monument, is an important historical landmark located in Khao Rang Public Park in Mueang Phuket District. The monument honors Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, one of the most influential figures in the development of Phuket. He is remembered for his major contributions to administration, road building, tin mining, trade, finance, and the modernization of Phuket during a period when the island was growing into one of southern Thailand’s most important economic centers.

 

The monument is not only a place for taking photos or paying respect. It is also a meaningful stop for travelers who want to understand Phuket beyond beaches, islands, and seaside resorts. Standing on Khao Rang Hill, visitors can connect the story of this historic statesman with the cityscape below. From this hilltop area, Phuket Town, surrounding neighborhoods, and the distant coastline can be seen in a wide view, making the monument and viewpoint a natural pairing for cultural sightseeing.

 

Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi was born as Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong in Ranong Province in 1857 and passed away in 1913. He came from the Na Ranong family, a prominent family connected with the administration and development of southern Thailand. He was known for his sharp administrative ability, commercial understanding, and exceptional language skills. These qualities helped him work effectively with local communities, business groups, mining interests, and foreign connections during a time of rapid economic change.

 

In 1902, Phraya Ratsadanupradit was appointed High Commissioner of Monthon Phuket. At that time, Phuket still had limited roads and infrastructure. Many routes were footpaths or cart tracks, and waterways had been affected by mining activity. The town needed stronger transport routes, better administration, and a more organized economic system. His leadership helped move Phuket toward a more modern form of urban and economic development.

 

One of his important policies was to collect municipal improvement contributions from tin mine owners and use the revenue for public development. This helped fund new roads and infrastructure. Roads such as Yaowarat Road, Nakhon Road, and Komaraphat Road are associated with this period of development. These roads were not merely transport routes; they opened the town, connected communities, supported trade, and allowed Phuket’s economy to expand more efficiently.

 

Phraya Ratsadanupradit also played a major role in strengthening Phuket’s tin-mining economy. He encouraged foreign mining companies to invest in Phuket, invited ore-buying companies to trade in the area, and supported the establishment of banking services that made financial transactions for tin trading easier. These policies linked mining, trade, banking, and international commerce, helping Phuket become a more modern and prosperous town for its time.

 

The results of his policies were significant. Phuket developed stronger roads, better economic connections, more organized trade, and greater urban prosperity. His work became part of the reason Phuket was remembered as one of the most developed towns outside Bangkok during that era. Many of the island’s later strengths as an open, trade-oriented, and internationally connected city can be traced back to foundations laid during this period.

 

Phraya Ratsadanupradit was also important to southern Thailand more broadly. He is remembered not only for Phuket, but also for his role in regional administration and agricultural development, especially the promotion of rubber planting in southern Thailand. The monument on Khao Rang therefore carries a wider meaning. It is not only a tribute to a Phuket administrator, but also a reminder of a key figure in the economic transformation of the Andaman and southern region.

 

The setting of the monument adds to its value. Khao Rang Public Park is a green hilltop area with paths, viewpoints, places to rest, and nearby restaurants. The monument sits within this quiet environment, allowing visitors to pause, pay respect, and reflect on Phuket’s history before continuing to the viewpoint. The area is suitable for a short cultural visit, a relaxed walk, light exercise, and panoramic city photography.

 

For travelers interested in Phuket history, the Phraya Ratsadanupradit Monument should be combined with Phuket Old Town, Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Chinpracha House, Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, and Phang Nga Road. These places help tell the same story from different angles. Phuket Old Town shows architecture, Chinese-Thai communities, trade, and urban life, while the monument explains the role of governance, mining, roads, and leadership in shaping the city.

 

Khao Rang is also a practical recreation area. Visitors can walk, rest under trees, enjoy the viewpoint, and eat at nearby hilltop restaurants. The area is especially pleasant in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the light is better for photography. On clear days, the hill gives a broad view over Phuket Town and the surrounding landscape, making it one of the most accessible viewpoints near the city center.

 

Every year in April, local authorities in Phuket hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to honor Phraya Ratsadanupradit. This annual remembrance shows that he remains an important historical figure for the province. The monument is therefore not a forgotten statue, but an active place of civic memory where Phuket continues to recognize the person who helped lay the foundations for its growth.

 

Getting There is easy from Phuket Town. Visitors can drive up Khao Rang via Khosimbi Road or Mae Luan Road. From Phuket Old Town, the trip normally takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. From Phuket International Airport, the drive usually takes about 40 to 60 minutes. From Patong Beach, the journey usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Travelers can use a private car, rental car, taxi, local transport, or app-based ride service.

 

Visitors driving up Khao Rang should use caution because parts of the road are hilly and curved. Drive slowly, use designated parking areas, and avoid blocking the road or pedestrian paths. For travelers who are not familiar with Phuket roads, taking a taxi or app-based ride is convenient, especially in the evening or during busy local events.

 

A good visit to the monument takes about 1 to 2 hours. This allows time to pay respect at the statue, read about the historical figure, walk around Khao Rang Public Park, take photos, and enjoy the viewpoint. If the visit is combined with a meal on Khao Rang or a walk through Phuket Old Town, it can become a rewarding half-day cultural route.

 

The site is suitable for families, history lovers, cultural travelers, and visitors who want a quieter experience in Phuket Town. Families should watch young children near slopes, roads, parking areas, and viewpoints. Older travelers may prefer morning or late afternoon visits when the temperature is more comfortable.

 

In summary, the Phraya Ratsadanupradit Monument is a small but highly meaningful historical site. It explains Phuket’s development before the age of mass tourism and connects the island’s modern identity with tin mining, trade, road building, administration, and visionary leadership. For visitors who want to understand Phuket more deeply, this monument on Khao Rang is well worth including in a Phuket Town itinerary.

 

 

A: The monument is located in Khao Rang Public Park in Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province, near Khao Rang Viewpoint.

 

A: Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, also known as Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong, was an important historical figure who helped develop Phuket’s administration, economy, roads, mining, and trade.

 

A: The monument is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is cooler, the light is better for photography, and visitors can also enjoy Khao Rang Viewpoint comfortably.

 

A: It honors a key figure who helped lay the foundations of Phuket’s growth through road building, mining development, trade, finance, and modern administration.

 

A: A visit usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. If combined with Khao Rang Viewpoint, a hilltop meal, or Phuket Old Town, it can be planned as a half-day cultural route.

 

A: Visitors can combine it with Khao Rang Viewpoint, Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham, Chinpracha House, Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Phuket Old Town, and the Shrine of the Serene Light.