Tung Dap Village - WAY OF LIFE ON A REMOTE ISLAND

Tung Dap is surrounded by natural beauty. The village is located on Koh Phratong Island, bordered by the Andaman Sea and accessible only by boat. A one-lane road connects villager’s homes, with no automobile traffic or convenience stores. Transport comes in the form of one’s feet, a bicycle, or on a small tractor with trailer.

Small-scale fishing is the predominant form of income. The villagers sell fish, squid, and crab at a local pier. Other sources of income include fish farming and collection of forest products.

Coconuts are abundant and served as a fresh, juicy beverage; a snack; a delicious ingredient for a dessert; and income for the community. Don’t be surprised if you are offered a whole coconut, still on the machete used to retrieve it!

The sea is a short, one-kilometer walk from the village school. The soothing waves rolling gently onto the beach serve as a reminder of the Moken villagers’ history. Tung Dap is a great place to relax, swim, hike and explore.

LOCATION
Tung Dap is located on the southwestern tip of Koh Phratong Island in Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province. Koh Phratong is part of Mu Koh Ra (Ko Phra Thong National Park). Visitors can expect a tropical climate. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, including deer, which are commonly seen exploring the island.

HISTORY
The village of Tung Dap is about 80 years old.
Koh Phratong, the island that is home to Tung Dap, translates to “Island of the Golden Buddha.” The name comes from the legend of a pirate who buried a looted statue somewhere on the island. In Moken folklore, it is known as the “floating island” and plays a central part in a tsunami story.

A long time ago, the Moken of Koh Phratong received a warning from the spirits that a tsunami was coming. The whole village fled to the nearby mountain, Po Tao, also known as Khao Phra Mee. Once at higher ground, the Moken villagers looked down as the wave covered the entire island. The island of Koh Kho Khao, just south of Koh Phratong, was not submerged. When Koh Phratong emerged from the tsunami’s inundation, the Moken returned and went on with life. That is why, in Moken language, Koh Phratong is called “Floating Island” and Koh Kho Khao is known as “anchor.”

TSUNAMI STORY
Tung Dap was totally destroyed by the tsunami — the 22 Moken Thai households and 10 Buddhist Thai families lost all of their homes, possessions, and most of their boats and fishing supplies. For months, many of the residents of Tung Dap lived in temporary shelters near the mainland pier waiting for their houses to be rebuilt. The villagers remained steadfast in their determination to restore their lives and their village, and in a manner respectful of the natural environment.

CULTURE
Tung Dap is home to approximately 200 residents who are Thai and Moken. Homestay host Noi spent the first 24 years of her life as a sea gypsy, and offers a fascinating account of her time living on a “Kabang,” which is a boat that serves as a home and a means of transportation for Moken people. Visitors to Tung Dap will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about Moken culture and traditions.