Phuketindex.com Magazine Vol.28 | Page 56

Features - Phuket Old Town Phuket oLd town P huket has a long history of multiracial culture and there are many examples of this to be found in various spots around the island, and there is one annual event that really brings out the best of the cultures that has made Phuket what it is today. Thalang Road is known as Phuket’s ‘historical road’ and is located in Phuket City Municipality. It was formerly the trading center of Phuket and most of the houses located along this road were owned by wealthy Phuket people. The houses were built in Sino-Portuguese styles which reflect unique combinations between Chinese and Portuguese architectures. It is also a good example of how much of a multicultural community the island became since native Thais, Chinese, Muslims, Indians, and Europeans started living together peacefully on the same road. Soi Rommanee, from Phuket historical records, Soi Rommanee was known as the alley where everyone knew that it was a street brothel. That’s why it was called ‘Rommanee’ (Rommanee in Thai is happiness). 56 www.phuketindex.com