Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsaraphakdi
Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsaraphakdi (Thai: พระยารัษฎานุประดิษฐ์มหิศรภักดี; 1857–1916, born Khaw Sim Bee (Thai: คอซิมบี้, Chinese: 許心美) was a Thai provincial administrator. He is the youngest of the six sons[1] of Khaw Soo Cheang, a trader from Zhangzhou in China.[2]
As a member of the na Ranong family which held the governor's post in Ranong for generations, Khaw was assigned to become governour of Trang in 1890. His most significant contribution was the introduction of the rubber tree to Thailand, which at his time was only grown in Malaysia. It has since become one of the major crops of Thailand. He also initiated the connection of Trang with Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung by road as well as the railroad connection to Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the first railroads of Thailand.
In 1902 he was assigned to become the commissioner of Monthon Phuket, which he stayed till his death in 1916.
A monument commemorating him was erected in the city of Trang. In 1992 he was also honored as one of the five most distinguished government officials in administration.
References
- ^ [泰国] 洪林, 黎道纲主编 (2006). 泰国华侨华人研究. 香港社会科学出版社有限公司. p. 184. ISBN 962-620-127-4.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Gary G. Hamilton (2006). Commerce and Capitalism in Chinese Societies. Routledge. p. 256. ISBN 0-415-15704-8.