Khaw Soo Cheang

Khaw Soo Cheang was born in 1797 in Fukien Province, China. When he was twenty-five years old he left China and came to Penang where he became a vegetable farmer. After a few years he left Penang and settled down in Takuapa, Siam. With the patronage and financial backing of a Siamese lady called Thawathep Sunthorn, Soo Cheang engaged in trading activities. During his trading activities along the western states of Siam he accumulated a large amount of money and experience. He also realized that Penang was a better location for trade and also one with higher business possibilities.

He again settled in Penang, bought a sailing boat and traded commodities from Penang along the south west coast of Siam up to Muang Ranong and Muang Traburi. From these two places he also bought local commodities to be sold in Penang. Also, these areas were rich in tin which Soo Cheang shipped to Penang at a great profit.

He then settled in Muang Ranong, with his mind set on tin mining. By the Ministry of Defense in Bangkok he was granted permission to carry out tin mining in Ranong and Traburi. Since he was successful in tin mining business he had the foundations (in 1844) to apply for the post of Royal Collector of Taxes for tin ore in Ranong region. His application received royal approval.

In 1854, Soo Cheang was given the position of Governor of Ranong in recognition of his honest performance as the Royal Collector of Taxes. During his career as a state official his position was several times elevated. He requested retirement when he was 78 years old and died on 25th may 1882.

Soo Cheang had at least seven wives and six sons. He and his sons were responsible for tin mining development and modernization, as well as general development of Siam.