Koh Tao history prior to 1943, the island was uninhabited. At that time, only fishing boats visited the local waters in search of fish. Koh Tao was a jungle with abundant turtles and big flocks of pied imperial and Nicobar pigeons.
|
Koh Tao History Timeline 1899: The Visit by King Rama V |
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn – Rama V (1853 – 1910) visited Koh Tao and had his initials carved on a large boulder at Laem Jor Por Ror on the southern end of Sairee Beach. It is now a place of worship and reverence for residents and visiting Thai people.
Between 1943 and 1944, Koh Tao 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 54 political prisoners, with 50 other inmates and 15 wardens. According to the prisoners, Koh Tao was a living hell with shark-infested waters, and daily life was a constant struggle for survival. Malaria was rife, and they were often starved. In 1944, the prisoners were released, and everyone returned to the mainland, leaving Koh Tao deserted once more.
King Rama V statue in Koh Tao located at Jor Por Ror cape.
One of the prisoners wrote:
|
The history of Koh Tao in 1947, twin brothers Ta Euam and Ta Oh came to Koh Tao from Koh Samui. The first ‘pioneers’ sailed here in a traditional boat with two masts and handmade sails made of woven palm leaves and cloth. They brought with them a supply of rice, and on arrival, they cleared some land and used what was left of the demolished prison to build a temporary shelter. Later, they brought their families here and settled on the north of Sairee Beach. Six years later, others, mostly from Koh Phangan, arrived here to start a new life. They lived simply and sufficiently by fishing and cultivating the land for coconut plantations, rice paddies and orchards. At that time, turtles were abundant, so many in fact, that the beach became black at certain times of the year.
Old photos from the collection of an early traveller show horse riding was a common form of transport back in the 1980s.
© Annick Syrius.
Koh Tao beaches and bays are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with shallow coral reefs only a short distance from the shore.
Koh Tao weather is such that it can be visited all year round, and there is always somewhere sheltered from inclement weather.
The cheapest and most popular way of getting to Koh Tao is the combined bus and ferry ticket offered by Lomlahkkhirin High-Speed Ferries.
18/3 Moo 3, Koh Tao
Surat Thani 84360 THAILAND
info@kohtaocompleteguide.com
