PEOPLE & CULTURE ,KOH TAO

POPULATION

     Koh Tao is a fairly recently inhabited island with the first group of people migrating here in 1947 and others arriving mostly from Koh Phangan. The registered population is 1,788 people, recoded in 2010, but the amount of people that actually live here is around 7,000

     

     Koh Tao is second home for many non-local Thais and foreigners from around the world with most people coming from Asia and Europe. The majority of people here are from southern Thailand and so use the local southern dialect. Most of the population reside in the three villages of Mae Haad, Sairee and Chalok Baan Kao.

THAI PEOPLE

TWO UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH ARE FOUND IN THAI PEOPLE ARE 'CONSIDERATION' AND 'HOSPITALITY'.

     Consideration means to thinks of another,s feeling and to avoid offending. Hospitality is part of the nature of Thai people who are also friendly, generous and love to help others. Thais are naturally good hosts and at mealtimes will always invite friends or guests that visit or pass by to join them in a meal together.
     The Thai people on Koh Tao are nice, easy going and friendly. Many people who have settled on the island have left the busy world behind to enjoy a more simple lift and are very happy to be here.

RELIGION

     95% of Thailand's population are Buddhist with 4% Muslim and 1% being of other faiths. The foundation of Buddhism is a principle which aims to extinguish 'Dukkha' (suffering and imperfection) by truly knowing and seeing clearly that there is no self, egoism and nothing belonging to 'a self' . Nothing whatsoever should be clung to, there is merely the body and the mind which are nothing but natural processes. Buddhism also follows the logic that one can gain and have thorough knowledge by oneself without having to follow others.

     Buddhism go to temple to 'make merit' every full and new moon. In the mornings, along the main roads, it is a common sight to see monks reciving alms from the Thai community.




Credit : KOHTAO a Complete Guide

CLIMATE KOH TAO

KOH TAO CAN BE VISITED ALL YEAR ROUND, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEWHERE CALM SHOULD THE WEATHER BE WINDY ON ONE OF THE COASTS.

   

Conditions are changeable throughout the year, with Koh Tao's monsoon usually arriving between the end of November and beginning of December. Heavy rain, strong winds and waves are normal at this time, though it only lasts a few weeks. Boat services usually continue even with waves up to metres high, but they can be interrupted if the conditions are too bad.

   From October through to March, the tide is high, so it,s better and easier in places for swimming and snorkelling with the beaches and bays full of water. From April through to September, the tide is low during the day making the beaches wider for subathing and beach activities.

• Check the weather forecast at http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=208460 

Credit : KOHTAO a Complete Guide

GEOGRAPHY KOH TAO

     Koh Tao is a fairly remote island lying 47 km north of its closest neighbour , Koh Phangan, 72 km from Koh Samui, 74 km from Chumphon and 115 km from Baan Don Pier, Surat Thani. The islan, with Koh Nang Yuan, forms a small archipreelago with a roral area of 19.2 square kilometres. At its widest part, Koh Tao measures 3.4 km and is 7.6 km long. The coastline, which is predominantly steep, rocky shoreline, consists of 11 bays and 10 capes and is 28.6 km long with a surrounding coral reef spanning 8 km. A large percentage of the island is mountainous in varying degrees with about 30% of flat land. The island is divided up into three villagers, Mae Haad and Sairee on the west coast and Chalok Baan Koa in the south. The eastern part of the island is steep with cliffs. In contrast, the west slopes down gradually to the sea and the flat areas where the villages are. Koh Tao's highest point is at 374 metres above sea level and the island's mountains stretch from north to south.
     The island was formed through land subsidence of the surrounding area, which is now the sea floor, making the depth of the sea floor, marking the depth of the sea around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan at the most 30-40 metres. Koh Tao has a diurnal tide meaning there is only one high and one low water each tidal day.


Credit : KOHTAO a Complete Guide

HISTORY KOH TAO

Prior to 1943, Koh Tao was uninhabited. At that time, only fishing boats visited the local waters in search of fish. The island was a jungle with an abundance of turtles and big flocks of pied imperia and Nicobar pigeons.

King Rama V

On June 18, 1899, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn - Rama V (1868-1910) visited the island, and had his initials carved on a large boulder at Laem Jor Por Ror on the southern end reverence for local residents and visiting Thai people.

Political Prison

During the years of 1943 and 1944, the island was used as a political prison with prisoners of the 'Borawadesh Uprising' transferred here from Koh Tarutao. The prison itself was located in Mae Haad Bay in an area of about 35 rai. There were fifty four political prisoners with fifty other inmates and fifteen wardens. According to the prisoners, the island was a living hell with its shark infested waters, and daily life was a constant struggle for survival. Malaria was rife and they were often starved. One of the prisoners wrote:
     "The only joy each day is watching the sun set to the sea. It is a spectacular scene. The waves are light purple with an indigo sky."

     In 1944, the prisoners were released and everyone returned back to the mainland leaving the island deserted once more.



Credit : KOHTAO a Complete Guide

About Koh Tao

Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao is a small paradise Island somewhat isolated in the gulf of Thailand

It is located on the east side of the Surat Thani coastline with two neighbouring islands, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Koh Tao is officially a subdistrict of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, and the name, in English, means 'Turtle Island' as the island used to be inhabited by turtles. The island's shape is also thought to resemble a turtle when viewed from Kog Phangan.

     The island,s natural beauty both above and below the water, with its stunning coal reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, bring thousands of vistors here each year making it an unforgettable destination for divers, adventurers and travellers alike. This, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and lift style, has been attracting people here for over 35 years and is now a warm second home for many. Koh Tao has developed in many ways, and with its thriving diving industry, is now one of the leading centres for dive education in the word.

Koh Tao Map

Credit : KOHTAO a Complete Guide