The industrial revolution in Europe brought about many new technological innovations. Among one of them was the finding that tin could be used to glaze iron to prevent rust and create high demand in the world's market that in turn made a high price. In 1894 AD, Phuket city, which was a centre for the tin trade in this region, was promoted a higher status called "Monthon" overseeing Thalang, Ranong, Phang Nga, Takua Pa, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Monthon Phuket reached its highest zenith during the tenure of its ruler, Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsarapakdi (Kosimbi Na Ranong) since 1901 - 1913 AD. He developed the tin mining industry, built up the city and increased the number of roads. He also solved the problem of the shortage of labour by sending ships to pick up Chinese works from A-mueng City in Fujian Precinct,China 3 times a year.

Hence, the number of the Chinese outnumbered other groups of residents in Phuket. These people made Phuket civilized in a great way. Beside workers, there were many well-to-do Chinese who migrated from Penang to invest in business in Phuket which was already thriving from the mining industry. This group of people greatly contributed to the growth for it to be a major city of southern Thailand.

The migrants, besides coming with their traditions and culture, also brought in the architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediteranean character. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called “Old Phuket” , with similar structures are Phang-Nga,Yaovarat, Thalang and Krabi rd., and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other European style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank.

Later, the Dutch, English, and classic Greco - Roman art, or as it is know Neo-classic were mixed with the Sino - Portuguese one, or had an influence on its building styles. As a result, the buildings in Phuket are charming and attractive which is rarely found in other provinces. Beside having a majority of Hokkien Chinese, Phuket is a melting pot for many other races who came to settle and make a livelihood in mining, rubber plantations and trading e.g. Kae Chinese, Tae Jiew Chinese, and Malays who built up the founding communities in line with Buddhism, Islam and Chinese to become a unique culture of Phuket.

Saphan Hin

A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located at the south end where Phuket rd. meets the sea in Phuket town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket.
Nowadays ,Saphan Hin is a large, multi-purpose park with fitness centres, a stadium, jogging trails, a software development centre, restaurants and food stalls, and a mangrove walkway, a popular site for festivals and fairs throughout the year. Muay Thai kickboxing matches in the stadium every Friday evening. Drive to the end and see picnicking families on the pebbled shore of Phuket Bay.