Markers - Isthmus Of Kra

The Malay Peninsula constitutes the southernmost extension of the Asian Continent, tethered to the mainland by a slender strip of land known as the Isthmus of Kra. This narrow isthmus is shared by Thailand to the east and Myanmar to the west. On the Thai side, the land is encompassed by three provinces: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and, to a lesser extent, Ranong. Interestingly, the narrowest point of Thailand does not coincide with the narrowest point of the isthmus itself; rather, it lies within Prachuap Khiri Khan, measuring a mere 16 kilometers in width.

The true narrowest segment of the isthmus, falling within the shared territory of Ranong and Chumphon Provinces, is situated at Ban Thapli, Tambon Mamu, along Highway No. 4 en route to Chumphon Province. Positioned near the border but still within Ranong Province and north of its capital city, a marker denotes this significant location. At approximately 50 kilometers wide, this spot marks the narrowest stretch of the Malay Peninsula from its west to east coasts. While the eastern coastal area falls under the jurisdiction of Chumphon Province, the western portion, within Ranong Province, measures a mere 9 kilometers across.

Across the Kraburi River, the western section of the Kra Isthmus lies under the administration of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. To commemorate this distinctive site, a substantial concrete plaque resembling a map of the Kra Isthmus is erected in the vicinity. A popular attraction for tourists, this spot offers picturesque views of the Kraburi River, situated just 100 meters from the natural boundary separating Thailand and Myanmar.

Maiden trip 8th October 1996

1. The Plaque

Separately installed as a stand alone in the field

2.  The Plaque

Got a duplicate copy too

3. Marker Board

Details of map

As we leisurely cruised along Highway 4 following an enchanting morning at the Ranong Seafood Wholesale Market, the landscape began to transform from cultivated rubber plantations to pockets of secondary forest dotted with quaint village dwellings. Suddenly, amidst a small garden patch, vibrant and eye-catching structures captured our attention, prompting an immediate halt for investigation. It dawned on us that we were traversing through the narrowest stretch of the Isthmus of Kra—a realization that had eluded our initial discussions and geographical awareness. The serendipitous discovery ignited our adventurous spirit, compelling us to seize the opportunity for exploration. With gratitude and excitement coursing through us, we hastily captured the moment through photographs, cherishing the memory for a lifetime. Despite our awe and appreciation, we remained steadfast in our journey, resuming our course towards Chumphon.

4.  Marker Board

Good souvenir

5. The Sign post at the river edge

All in Thai - suppose the writing would say the same as we seen

6. Another picture

We have got enough copy for our first impression and now our souvenirs

9th October 2011

Once again we were making our journey south from Chumphon and also had chosen to use the western segment of Highway 4 .Just after leaving the border at Chumphon I was keenly on  a looks out for the Isthmus of Kra Markers. Planning to collect more pictures of the Isthmus of Kra Marker There was no difficulty in locating and making that stop

On this occasion I spent longer time doing the photography to do stocking up my archive. I also roam around the vivinity including getting down to that stretch beside the river bank, to add on pictures from its surroundings. After that I did not evualate my collection to assess its usefulness but instead like all pictures from my trip there were shelved andt piled up in the archive Not until now that I am doing my story and needed those pictures. The pictures were taken over 13 years ago. On checking the picture from last acqusitiom  and comparing them with those taken on the maiden trip,, I found that there were dramatic changes to the plaque and the adding on of a shrine. Most important pointer of all was the showing up of the railings on the side of the road. Then only  I realized that the old trunk road we used on our first trip trunk road was changed from mono carriage to a dual carriages highway. Land usage had forced changes to the whole site. For better or for worse?  I feel that in this location where space is plentiful, there was no need to trim and down play the significance of this site

7-1. The Sign - The elaborate poster

A totally new signage at another location. Lately even this signage was mo longer seen

8-2. Another poster map

1-4. The iconic marker in modern colours

12. The new addition

13. Overall area as seen from afar

15. Inscription on plaue

19. Same boat taken from a point further downstream