Ko Pha-ngan - TourismThailand.org

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The community was founded when a group of Chinese from the
island of Hainan began to settle on Ko Pha-ngan 250 years ago, during the
late Ayutthaya period towards the Thon Buri period. They first came to
settle at the old areas of Ban Tai and Ban Hin Kong, Ban Si Thanu and
Wat Bon. Local residents called their areas old Chalok villages, which
might refer to Loban Kao, or old village members in the assumption
mentioned earlier. This is an example of how a group of villages is called
by the names that do not appear on the map of Ko Pha-ngan.
The Hainanese people are expert fishermen and Ao Chalok Lam is
also a good location with water deep enough to build a sea port. This area
abounds with fish resources, especially sharks that were caught in those
days for making dried fish, while their fins were sent for sale in China to
fetch better prices. Later, more Chinese immigrants came to settle at Ban
Chalok Lam, which was later developed into a permanent fishing community.
The fishing occupation has been passed on to the present generation.
Around 25-30 years ago, squid-jigging, a way to catch squid, has become
a major occupation in this village. As time has passed by, the lifestyle of
Chalok Lam fishermen still leaves a lasting impression to all visitors.
If you travel to Hat Chalok during daytime and stay at the end of the jetty
to appreciate scenic views, what you will see are tens of fishing boats anchored
at the jetty where fishermen fill up their boats, or repair fishing nets. The fishermen
will wait until nighttime in order to go out for fishing and squid jigging.
The green light glittering in the sea is attached to squid fishing boats in an
attempt to lure squid into playing with the light, so that the fishermen will be
able to catch them easily. Some boats anchored there are for crab catching, as
seen from their crab nets. Every morning, this jetty is busy with fishermen bringing
in marine resources for sale to traders. So it is not surprising at all to see many
seafood restaurants offering fresh food to tourists here.
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