Thailand, (formerly Siam until 1939) began with migration of Thais from their ancestral home in China into mainland southeast Asia around 10 AD. In the 19th &  20th centuries, European colonial powers threatened, but Thailand survived as the only Southeast Asian country to avoid colonial rule. After the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured 60 years of permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.

 Phuket: (pronounced Poo-ket) in southern Thailand, is
 made up of 1 large & 39 small islands, where it borders
 with Malaysia. One of the charter options is a 10-14 day
 sail to Langkawi Island,  in north-west Malaysia.
 

 Phuket charter base is 30 minute drive from the airport.
 The island is accessed by several daily one hour flights
 from Bangkok, where international flights land each day.
 Also, scheduled direct and chartered flights from Asia,
 Australia, Europe and North America arrive in Phuket.
 If travelling by land within Thailand, there's a network of
 air-conditioned express buses that service Phuket.
 
 Population: 321,802 (2007) plus itinerant workers and
 ex-pat residents swell numbers to over 400,000.

 Size: Approx. length 50km (31mi), width 20km (12mi)
 Economy: Most of its income now comes from tourism.
 Visas:  are not required by tourists from most countries,
 for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports should have a
 minimum of six months remaining, before date of expiry.

Weather: The North-East wind season, from November to April, is mostly fine and clear.
The South-West season, May to October, has occasional rain between long sunny periods.
Being at around 480 miles north of the Equator, Phuket  is within a settled weather belt.
There are NO TROPICAL STORMS/CYCLONES or HURRICANES at any time of year.
Sailing season: All year. Temp: Highs 30c (85F) Lows 24c (75F) Tidal range: 2 - 3 mtrs.
Charter Base Position: Boat Lagoon - (entrance) Latitude 7°58.65' N. Longitude 98°24.9' E.