Travel Guide Tarutao National Marine Park

In 1936, the Thai government turned Tarutao Island - isolated from the mainland, subject to strong winds and surrounded by crocodiles and sharks - into a penitentiary. During the Second World War, famine led to an alliance between the prisoners and the guards who began to attack passing merchant ships, turning into pirates. An intervention of the British army put an end to the adventure in 1946. The archipelago became a national maritime park in 1974, the protected area encompasses 51 islands in total, the vast majority of which remain uninhabited. The park is distinguished by its wilderness preservation (even if the crocodiles have disappeared) and only a handful of natives and teams of rangers in charge of surveillance are stationed there. Accommodation has been provided for visitors. Solar panels produce electricity and waste is disposed of on the mainland. The interest of the park lies in its wildlife. Crab-eating macaques are the stars, along with birds and butterflies. Hiking through the island is recommended, provided you follow certain paths. Beware of swimming, as currents can be dangerous. The park is closed from May 15 to October 15.