Directly adjacent to Ranong, in the south of Thailand and to King Bayint Nbung (formerly Victoria Point) is a region famous for its gems, pearls, flora and fauna.
After Burma became a British colony in 1863 with Victoria Point opposite the Kra estuary as its southernmost point, an exploration was undertaken, again with negative result.
On 10 June 2013 Myanma Airways flight UB309 from Mawlamyine, Myanmar carrying four crew members and 60 passengers swerved off the runway upon landing at Kawthaung.