The town covers parts of the sub-districts Noen Phra and Thap Ma, the whole sub-districts Huai Pong and Map Tha Phut of Mueang Rayong District, and parts of Map Kha sub-district in Nikhom Phatthana District.
Toponymy
The name Map Ta Phut consists of three elements. Map is the vernacular, it means low-lying plain, the second and third elements Ta Phut is a person's name meaning the old Phut. According to local legend, Map Ta Phut is the residence of an elderly couple. The male name is Ta Phut, hence the name.[1]
History
In 1962, the sanitary district (sukhaphiban) Map Tha Phut was created as the first local government of the settlement.[2] In 1991 it was upgraded to a sub-district municipality (thesaban tambon),[3] and in 2001 to a town.[4]
According to the World Resources Institute, Map Ta Phut is "...one of Thailand's most toxic hot spots with a history of air and water pollution, industrial accidents, illegal hazardous waste dumping, and pollution-related health impacts including cancer and birth deformities."[5]:20
