17/12/2024
KOH TAO HISTORY
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.
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…
Read more about Koh Tao History: www.kohtaocompleteguide.com/fact/koh-tao-history/
อ่านประวัติเกาะเต่า (ภาษาไทย): www.kohtaocompleteguide.com/th/fact-thai/koh-tao-history/
Photos © Annick Syrius and Ko Dam
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#ประวัติเกาะเต่า
