Being the nearest entrepot, Penang re-exported Phuket tin and supplied most of the provisions.
This paper examines the trading and familial relationships between Penang and Phuket based upon the Tan and Khaw family business networks.
It also describes the evolution of the Phuket "Peranakan Chinese" community defined by trade, education and familial links with Penang.
Besides contributing a cultural perspective on the historical relationship between the Chinese communities of Penang and Phuket,
this essay hopes to encourage more study into what is potentially a rich area of trans-boundary history