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Chumphon
is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of
Thailand. It is the gateway to other southern
provinces. Along more than 200 kilometres
of Chumphon’s seashore, there are many
beautiful and picturesque beaches. Still maintaining
the natural beauty, the province is best for
those who seek relaxation in the natural and
uniquely quiet atmosphere.
From the documents, Chumphon was continuously
the locations of many communities since the
pre-historic period, especially in the area
near Tha Taphao River banks. Chumphon was
also one of the leading trading centers of
Siam (former name of Thailand).
Due to being the frontier city, the name “Chumphon”
is believed to derive from “Chumnumphon”,
which means the accumulation of forces. Whenever
there was any movements of the army, the soldiers
would gather their forces here at this province.
The other source believed that it should be
derived from a local plant named “Maduea
Chumphon” due to its richness in this
area. Therefore, naturally, this plant has
become a symbol of the logo of Chumphon Province.
Boundary
| North |
Amphoe Bang Saphan Noi of Prachuap Khiri
Khan |
| South |
Amphoe Tha Chana of Surat Thani |
| East |
Gulf of Thailand |
| West |
Ranong and Andaman Sea. |
Chumphon is administratively divided into
8 Amphoe: Mueang Chumphon, Lang Suan, Sawi,
Tha Sae, Lamae, Phato, Pathio, and Thung Tako.
Koh Tao, little more than 21 km², is
located about 70 km east of the coastline
between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf
of Thailand.
Koh Tao means Turtle Island, because in the
past the waters in the area had been rich
with sea turtles, nowadays they have mostly
moved on to other breeding grounds.
Initially the island was not inhabited, there
was only the occasional fisherman from the
neighboring islands, looking for shelter in
a storm or just taking a break before continuing
his tiresome journey.
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn
(Rama V 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left
as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder
at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This
place is worshipped even today and should
be treated with respect.
From 1933 on the island was used as a political
prison. In 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister
at the time, pleaded and received a royal
pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody
was taken to the Suratthani shore and the
"Turtle" was abandoned again. But
not for long. In the same year Khun Ueam and
his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from
the neighboring Koh Phangan by trying out
their traditional sail boat, for that time
a quite long and dangerous journey. Even though
the island was still under royal patronage,
it didn’t stop these pioneers claiming
themselves a good piece of land on today's
Sairee Beach. Having brought their families
over, they began to cultivate and harvest
the excellent soil. The first generation of
today's community had settled!
They lived a very simple and tough life harvesting
coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables,
which were also traded with Koh Phangan. Despite
the difficulties in reaching the island, the
population then grew steadily.
In the eighties the first travelers discovered
the island paradise and their special "backpacker-network"
quickly made it widely known and a popular
destination. As a consequence, bigger, faster
and safer boats were used to allow easier
access to Koh Tao.
During the past ten years the reputation of
Turtle Island's natural beauty, especially
its marine life and coral reefs, spread the
world over and the number of paradise seekers
increased rapidly.
It soon became one of the major dive sites
in Thailand, attracting beginners and professionals
alike. The local businesses expanded immediately
to catch up with the needs of the new clientele.
The island today, though still remaining an
absolute paradise, caters for all tastes and
budgets.
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