thaton

Thaton is a town located in the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar, within the administrative district of Thaton Township. It lies approximately 170 kilometers south of Yangon, situated near the mouth of the Tanintharyi River where it empties into the Andaman Sea. The town serves as the principal population center of Thaton Township and functions as a local commercial hub, providing markets and basic services to the surrounding agricultural villages that cultivate rice, rubber, and various tropical crops.

Historically, the area surrounding Thaton was part of the ancient Mon Kingdom, which thrived from the 9th to the 13th century CE. Archaeological evidence and inscriptions indicate that a significant Mon settlement existed in the region, and thaton has been associated with several early Buddhist monasteries. The surviving Thaton Temple, a modest stupa complex, dates to the early Ming dynasty period and is regarded by scholars as evidence of historical Mon influence. The name "Thaton" is believed to derive from the Mon word "deat" meaning “fire,” reflecting the town’s legendary founding legend involving a luminous fire on the riverbank.

In modern times, Thaton is a junction point for transportation between Yangon and the remote southern parts of the country. The local economy remains predominantly agrarian, with seasonal fishing and small-scale trade providing employment. The population is ethnically mixed, featuring Mon, Bamar, and other minority groups. The town observes Burmese time (UTC+6:30) and the climate is tropical monsoon, with heavy rainfall during the wet season from May to October. Educational and health facilities are limited; students typically travel to Yangon for higher education, while basic medical care is provided by a township health center.