During the last 10 years, agriculture has been the most important sector, followed by trade sector and service sector, manufacture sector. In agriculture sector, cultivation is the main actively, about 40% of GPP. In 1995, the main crop was coconut, para rubber, coffee, durian, rambutan and mangosteen. However, some of these are under government subsidy and may get some negative impact by GATT and AFTA. Fishery is the second most important activity and has the potential to develop. Manufacture sector in Chumphon is small and has not fully developed. Most factories are small agro-in dustried factories, such as cannery and vegetable-oil extraction. Chumphon is the center of manufacturing. For the rest of economic sector, the change has been slightly during last decade. In general, Chumphon is the province with the good economic condition and high purchasing power. Anyway, Chumphon economy depends upon only agriculture sector which is so sensitive to the uncontrolled factors, such as natural disaster and world market condition.

Tourism
There are several natural beauty both inland and coastline, including beaches, islands, national parks and mountains. Basically, most natural places still keep their original charm and this strong point should be promoted for tourism.

Banking and Insurance.
There are 11 banks with 37 branches operating in Chumphon. The saving bank, the bank for agriculture and cooperative, and the branches of insurance companies also have their business operating. At the end of 1997, the total deposit was 12,637.6 million baht, 13.90% increase from last year, while the total credit was 12,637.6 million baht; 12.33% increase from last year. By this figures, it was found that credit-deposit ratio has been increasing over time.

Things to see & do sights & experiences

Tourist Attractions
CHUMPHON

The golden Spot for Eco - Tourism
Do you know why Chumphon province has been known as a golden place for "Eco - Tourism?"
It is very easy to answer this question. Chumphon has been able to maintain plenty of natural resources for tourism which have been untouched by the tourists and unspoiled by the time since these natural resources in other places have been absolutely destroyed, the authorities in Chumphon try to carry out the day - to - day management of the natural resources and take a major role in the conservation of the surroundings.

Chumphon is a city of view. There are a lot of unusual tourist attractions, unrevealed to the world. Traveling Chumphon you'll meet with a wonderful hospitable climate, crystal sea-water, exotic and native plants and trees.
You'll be shocked with the magnificent coral beaches and the mysterious underworld sea. More than this you'll find all private facilities as well as plenty of accommodation and restaurants specializing in seafood delicacies. They are all provided for your convenience and for making you experience the excellence of Chumphon hospitality and the uniqueness of the province's holiday attractions. All of these made Chumphon one of the world's greatest tourist destinations.
Please come and visit Chumphon for spectacular sightseeing adventures amidst fabulous scenery. You'll find that there are many more amazing tourist spots to meet your need. Our friendly professional staff will show you the other interesting and charming community including the life - style in the sub - districts which is an ideal for the culture lovers at its best.

Festivals & events what's happening on the local scene

MAJOR EVENTS
Buddha Effigy Procession and Boat Race in Lang Suan District.

A tradition of Lang Suan District which is over a 100 years old. It is believed that on the 1st night of the waning moon in the 11th month the Lord Buddha returns to Sungkassa in India from heaven. Many Buddhists therefore go to receive him. The most convenient form of journey during that time was by boat. So, the people had a chance for a social gathering. Later it became a Buddha procession and a boat race. These events take place on the 1st night of the waning moon in the 11th month (around August) of every year. They last for about 5 days. The major activities are a Buddha Effigy Boat Procession (many majestically adorned temple boats oin in) and a boat race in Lang Suan River.

Chumphon's Marine Festival
It takes place during the middle of March and April every year The aim is to promote Chumphon tourism-in order to distribute incomes among the local people, conserve natural resources. Main events : Angling competition, Tourism Photo Competition, Tourism Exhibition and Mini-Marathon.

Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Commemoration
This event takes place near City hall around 19-25th December every year. The aim is to commemorate the Admiral Phra Chao Borommawongthir Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the person who is highly revered by people in Chumphon, he is also the father of the Royal Thai Navy. The main activities are Krom Luang Chumphon khet Udomsak Exhibition, Southern Art Exhibition and acting at night time.

Lang Suan Fruit Festival
It is held annually around August. Its main objective is to promote agricultural products, especially orchard products of Lang Suan District. Major events : Fruit competition, Jam Competition, Fruit Fair, Flower Car Competition and Fruit Maiden Pageant.

Local flavor from food to handicrafts

Local Foods and Goods
After seeing interesting places, be it the beauty of nature, hills, trees, caves, waterfall, beaches, coral, fish and blue sea, you may wish to buy souvenirs for your folks. So, we recommend that you buy fresh fruit, or jams such as durian, small bananas, mangosteen or pineapple which are readily available at the markets in Lang Suan District and Sawee District and at the local probuct center near Phetkasem Highway in Village No.4, Na Pho Subdistrict , Sawee District.
The persons who wish to buy sea products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried cuttlefish and salt fish should go to the places where they are made or Sa Phlee Village, Pa Thiew District, Tako Mouth, Thung Tako District or Lang Suan Mouth. And the other items we want to recommend are :

• Hok Ha Brand anchovy fish sauce at Tako Mouth
  
• Phet Thaksin Brand fish sauce in Chumphon Mouth and Muang Chumphon Municipality
  
• Gayuthong Brand cashew nuts at Tang Tsun Kee Restaurant.
  
• Mattress made of lepironia articulata Domin of Cyperaceae family, the local handicraft available only in 14 southern provinces, on sale at Mrs. Thanom Samritkul's house, No. 11/1 Village No. 1, Hat Sairee Subdistrict, Muang District, which is near the road and easy for parking.