KOH TAO, slightly bigger than 21 sq. kilometres is one of the 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 50km north east from Koh Phangan, the island 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 royal 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.

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