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Surat Thani (Thai สุราษฏร์ธานี) is a city in southern Thailand. It is the capital of the province Surat Thani, and sometimes referred as Mueang Surat Thani to more clearly distinguish it from the province.
The city has a population of 111,340 (2000 census), and is located at 9° 8' North, 99° 19' East, at the mouth of the river Tapi to the Gulf of Thailand. The city as no touristical attractions and is thus only known to tourists as a transfer to the nearby Ko Samui island.
History
The city received its name by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1915. The name means City of Good People, and was given to the city due to the high devotion of the locals to Buddhism. Previously the city was known as Bandon.
Traffic
It is connected with Bangkok with the southern railway, however the actual train station is in Phunphin, about 15km away from city. Asian highway 2 also passes the city. A regional airport, Surat Thani International Airport, is about 30km from the city. Some ferries to Ko Samui start at the city itself.