Driving to the Isthmus of Kra, Southern Thailand!
Isthmus of Kra, a narrow piece of land ruled by the Kings of Thai for over 700 years, a place that could shift Thailand's geo-political influence to another level.
During the 18th century, Siamese elites has already aware of the significance of a canal connecting Pacific Ocean to Indian Ocean, and how it could change the fate of the Kingdom of Siam. But the ambitious plan was halt by the British Empire, to protect the British interest of it's Port of Singapore, which is the natural shipping lane connecting the two great oceans.
And so the Kra Canal plan was halted for 2 centuries, until 2019, Thailand Elites are determined to move ahead with the project, and therefore Kra Isthmus, had once again became significant.
But little do I know, that actually in the 18th to 19th century, the Isthmus of Kra was ruled by Chinese. Two ambitious Hokkian entrepreneurs, built their regime from ground up, from business man, to the trustful governors of the Siamese Kings, and eventually became Thai nobles.
I knew nothing about this, until I came to Trang for my eat sleep and repeat holiday.