Koh Tao, in area of 21
sq.kms. is one of the most smallest inhabited islands in the
archipelago translated as Turtle island because of its similar shape
to the aquatic reptile.
Located 70 km east of the Suratthani coast line and about 50 kms
north east from Koh Phangan, the islad was used as a political
prison for Barworndej rebels in 1933, and participants of the coup
in 1938. The deep rough sea was the strong natural barrier
dividing the two worlds.
October 20, 1944, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time pleaded
for royoal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Three years
later everybody was released and taken to the Suratthani shore.
The "Turtle" was abandoned but was not left alone for long.
In 1947 the first generation of today's community arrived on
Koh Tao. Even though the island was still under royal
patronage, it didn't stop the first pioneers, the two brothers
Grandfather Ueam & Oh, who started to claim their land on the
western side, geographically laying flat at the foot of the
mountain, well sheltered from storms and monsoon.
They had a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing
and growing vegetables. The excess produce was sold to Koh
Phangan.
If you look closely, you can see that from Sairee, at the north,
through Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao, the coconut trees are fairly
tall, their shadows covering the shore. This is where the
inhabitants in the early era started planting.
Then, the population continued growing. Getting to the island
was still a rather long and difficult, sometimes even dangerous
journey, using small fishing boats.
In the eighties the first back-packers discovered the Island and
their special info-network quickly made it a popular destination.
Soon enough bigger, faster and safer transportation was provided.
Then, the population continued growing. Getting to the island
was still a rather long and difficult, sometimes even dangerous
journey, using small fishing boats.
In the eighties the first back-packers discovered the Island and
their special info-network quickly made it a popular destination.
Soon enough bigger, faster and safer transportation was provided.
In the middle nineties the reputation Koh Tao gained for its
serenity and beauty, especially its marine life and coral reefs,
spread widely and caused an explosion of visitors from around the
world.
Consequently, many relevant business expanded rapidly to serve the
needs of new comers and the island today, yet remaining a absolute
paradise, has to offer a wide range of facilities, especially
regarding scuba diving.
