Ko Phaluai
Ko Phaluai (Thai: เกาะพะลวย, pronounced [kɔ̀ʔ pʰā.lūa̯j]; also spelled Koh Phaluai or Koh Paluay) is the biggest island in the Mu Ko Ang Thong island group. It is inhabited by sailors who still earn a living from fishing.
Details
It is where the capital village of the island chain (Ban Ao Sam) lies. The Islands size is 19.1 km2 and has a population of 500. Together with a small portion of land on Ko Samui Island where the town of Bang Makham lies, The Mu Ko Ang Thong islands are part of Ang Thong Subdistrict of Ko Samui District, Surat Thani.
Tourism
The island is still very new to tourism. There are a few home stays and resorts. One of the most famous resort is Angthong Beach Resort.[citation needed]
Ecology and environment
Ko Phaluai lies within Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, a marine protected area comprising 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The marine ecosystems around the islands include coral reef, seagrass bed, mangrove forest, and beach forest habitats.[1] Extensive surveys at reef flats and slopes within Mu Ko Ang Thong have recorded juvenile corals at densities up to 26.05 individuals per sqm, indicating active coral recruitment and the park’s role as a natural coral nursery.[2] Because of the biodiversity and ongoing coral recruitment, the waters around Ko Phaluai and the wider Mu Ko Ang Thong archipelago play an important role in coral reef conservation and in sustaining reef associated marine species.[3][4]
Table of Islands
| Nr | Island | Capital | Other Cities | Area (km2) | Population[a] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ko Chueak | Ko Chueak | 1.62 | 0 | |
| 2 | Ko Nok Taphao | Ko Nok Taphao | Ao Kruat, Ao Pla, Ao Uttra, | 3.32 | 200 |
| 3 | Ko Phaluai | Ban Ao Sam | Ban Ao song, Ban Ao Nueng, Ao nathap, Ao luek | 19.1 | 500 |
| 4 | Ko Raet | Ko Raet | 0.07 | 50 | |
| 5 | Ko Sam Sao | Ko Sam Sao | 0.85 | 0 | |
| 6 | Ko Wua Chio | Ko Wua Chio | 0.26 | 2 | |
| 7 | Ko Wua Talap | Ang Thong Station | Ao Phi | 6.06 | 10 |
| 8 | More Islands | 10 | 0 | ||
| Total: | Mu Ko Ang Thong | Ban Ao Sam | Ko Nok Taphao | 40 | 692 |
See also
.svg){kind=small}
Notes
- ^ The Islands area and population data retrieved from the 2012 census
References
- ^ "Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park". ASEAN Heritage Parks. ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- ^ Chamchoy, Charernmee (2019). "Demographic composition of juvenile corals on shallow reef flats and reef slopes in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park". Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology. 5 (3): 25–43. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Chamchoy, Charernmee (2019). "Demographic composition of juvenile corals on shallow reef flats and reef slopes in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park". Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology. 5 (3): 25–43. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park". ASEAN Heritage Parks. ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
9°31′40″N 99°41′04″E / 9.52778°N 99.68444°E