Kho Phra Thong's Local Culture   The island has three villages populated by Thai, Moklen (the nomadic people of the Andaman coast of Thailand and southern Burma) and the Moken (the people commonly referred to as sea gypsies from the north Andaman coasts of Thailand and Burma).  This  was  comprehensively described  in Jacques Invanoff's book, Tubulence: Ko Phra Thong (2006, Ketos).  Excursions to these villages (Baan Thang Dap, Baan Tapayoi and Baan Bak Jok) can be arranged so that you meet families and see their age-old way of life. In addition, it is possible to visit local schools to meet children and teachers as well as a visit to the local public health centre. There is more to learn about our unique island.  Check out Chris Williams web site on the topc. We can even arrange home stays with families where guests will enjoy their meals and experience the local sea community life. In some villages, guests can take Thai cooking courses and sample some of the traditional fruits of Thailand such as mangosteen, durian and jackfruit.    Communities on the island have prospered in recent years.The local government has enlarged the schools in each village and every year volunteers conduct conservation classes in the schools, sponsored by Golden Buddha Beach Resort. This ensures that outsiders' influence and impact is as positive as possible. Unfortunately, much of that prosperity vanished following the tsunami of 2004 that devastated Phuket and surrounding islands. However, due to the generous support of the Swiss government and a number of relief agencies, they have made a remarkable recovery. Our resort seeks to continue to support the island citizens through our volunteer programs and extensively training and hiring local residents. Photographs courtesy of Craig Lovell & NATR/ Andaman Discoveries