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2026-04-06T05:11:10Z

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{{Short description|Marine protected archipelago in Andaman Sea, Thailand}}
{{Infobox islands
| name = Surin Islands
| native_name = หมู่เกาะสุรินทร์
| native_name_link = Thai language
| native_name_lang = th
| image = {{overlay
| image = Surin Islands Copernicus.jpg
| width = 260
| height = 363
| columns = 2
| grid = no
| float = no
| border = no
| overlay1colour = brown
| overlay1tip = Ko Surin Nuea
| overlay1left = 165
| overlay1top = 92
| overlay2colour = brown
| overlay2tip = Ko Surin Tai
| overlay2left = 95
| overlay2top = 210
| overlay3colour = saddlebrown
| overlay3tip = Ko Khai
| overlay3left = 118
| overlay3top = 325
| overlay4colour = saddlebrown
| overlay4tip = Ko Glang
| overlay4left = 19
| overlay4top = 175
| overlay5colour = saddlebrown
| overlay5tip = Ko Chi
| overlay5left = 232
| overlay5top = 11
| overlay6colour = yellow
| overlay6tip = Hin Kong
| overlay6left = 200
| overlay6top = 250
| overlay7colour = yellow
| overlay7tip = Hin Rap
| overlay7left = 149
| overlay7top = 35
| overlay8colour = green
| overlay8tip = Chong Kaad Bay
| overlay8top = 167
| overlay8left = 135
| overlay9colour = green
| overlay9tip = Mai Ngam beach
| overlay9left = 102
| overlay9top = 135}}
| image_size =
| image_caption = Satellite Photo in 2017
| image_alt = Photo of a bay of Ko Surin Nuea
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_label =
| pushpin_map_width =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{Coord|9|25|N|97|52|E|type:isle_scale:100000|display=it}}
| etymology =
| location = [[Andaman Sea]]
| waterbody =
| total_islands = 5
| major_islands = Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai
| area_km2 = 33
| area_footnotes =
| length_km = 12.6
| width_km = 8.3
| elevation_m = 255 
| elevation_footnotes =
| country = {{flag|Thailand}}
| country_admin_divisions_title = [[Provinces of Thailand|Province]]
| country_admin_divisions = {{flag|Phang Nga}}
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Districts of Thailand|District]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Khura Buri district|Khura Buri]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_2 = [[Tambon]]
| country_admin_divisions_2 = Ko Phra Thong
| population = 150–330
| population_footnotes = <ref name=TAT>{{cite web |title=Mu Koh Surin National Park|url=https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/mu-ko-surin-national-park |website=Tourism Authority of Thailand |access-date=2023-07-11}}</ref><ref name=TNP>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thainationalparks.com/mu-ko-surin-national-park |title=Surin Islands |year=2019 |publisher=Thai National Parks |access-date=2023-07-12}}</ref>
| ethnic_groups = [[Moken]], [[Thai people|Thai]]
| timezone = [[Indochina Time|ICT]]
| utc_offset = +7
| postal_code = 82150
| website =
| additional_info = National park
| footnotes =
}}
The '''Surin Islands''' ({{langx|th|หมู่เกาะสุริน|translit=muu gaw soo rin}}, {{IPA|th|mùː kɔ̀ʔ sùrin}}) is a [[Archipelago#Continental archipelagos|continental archipelago]] of five [[island]]s in the [[Andaman Sea]], {{convert|55|km|mi}} from the [[Thailand|Thai]] mainland.<ref name="DNP" /> Administratively, the islands are part of [[Tambon]] [[Khura Buri district#Administration|Ko Phra Thong]], [[Khura Buri district]], in [[Phang Nga province]], [[Thailand]].<ref name="TAT" />

==Geography==
===Location===
The Surin Islands consist primarily of two larger islands, Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai, which are separated by a channel approximately {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide that becomes dry at low tide. In addition to these, the archipelago includes three smaller islands: Ko Khai (also known as Ko Torinla), Ko Glang (or Ko Pachumba), and Ko Chi (also referred to as Ko Satok). There are also two small rocky islets within the group, named Hin Kong and Hin Rap. Additionally, the limestone pinnacle known as [[Richelieu Rock]] (Hin Plo Naam), located about {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Ko Khai and {{convert|45|km|mi}} from the mainland,<ref name="TAT" /><ref name="TNP" /> is named in honor of admiral [[Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu|Andreas Richelieu]], who was the first and only foreign [[List of commanders-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy|commander-in-chief]] of the [[Thai Navy]].

Geographically, the [[Myanmar–Thailand border|Thai-Burmese oceanic border]] lies a few kilometers north of Ko Chi. [[Christie Island]], which marks [[Myanmar]]'s southernmost point, is situated {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Ko Surin Nuea. To the south, approximately {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} away, lies the [[Mu Ko Similan National Park]].<ref name="DNP">{{cite web |title=Mu Ko Surin National Park |url = http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=202&lg=2 |website=Department of National Parks (DNP) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610173054/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=202&lg=2 |archive-date=2016-06-10}}</ref>

===Formation===
Geological theories suggest that a [[subduction]] event during the [[Mesozoic]] era, involving the [[Burma Plate|Burma]] and [[Sunda Plate]]s, led to the formation of the numerous [[granite]] islands and undersea pinnacles along the west coast of Thailand. This process entailed the descending plate moving forward and being uplifted by the underlying plate. As a result, various geological structures, including pinnacles and outcroppings, were dislodged and amalgamated onto the ascending plate, eventually giving rise to small island chains and underwater seamounts. The predominant composition of these islands and seamounts is intrusive [[granitoids]], a type of igneous rock. Over time, these base rocks have become encrusted with a thick layer of [[limestone]], primarily composed of coral skeletons, with living corals continuing to grow on the outer surfaces.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.khaolakexplorer.com/similan-islands-geology/ |title=Similan Islands geology |work=Khao Lak Explorer |accessdate=2023-07-13}}</ref>

==Climate==
{| class="wikitable floatleft mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style=text-align:center
|+ Statistics
|-
|
| 2012
| 2013
| 2014
| 2015
| 2016
|-
| style=text-align:left | Low
| style="{{Weather box/colt|15.2}}"|{{convert|15.2|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|12.0}}"|{{convert|12.0|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|22.1}}"|{{convert|22.1|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|12.8}}"|{{convert|12.8|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|8.0}}"|{{convert|8.0|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
|-
| style=text-align:left | Average
| style="{{Weather box/colt|27.8}}"|{{convert|27.8|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|27.5}}"|{{convert|27.5|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|27.5}}"|{{convert|27.5|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|28.0}}"|{{convert|28.0|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|28.2}}"|{{convert|28.2|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
|-
| style=text-align:left | High
| style="{{Weather box/colt|39.3}}"|{{convert|39.3|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|40.0}}"|{{convert|40.0|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|30.2}}"|{{convert|30.2|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|41.3}}"|{{convert|41.3|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
| style="{{Weather box/colt|42.0}}"|{{convert|42.0|C|F|disp=comma|sigfig=3}}
|-
| style=text-align:left | In a 30 day month
| style="{{Weather box/colp|82.7}}"|{{convert|82.7|mm|in|disp=comma|abbr=on}}
| style="{{Weather box/colp|132.2}}"|{{convert|132.2|mm|in|disp=comma|abbr=on}}
| style="{{Weather box/colp|114.1}}"|{{convert|114.1|mm|in|disp=comma|abbr=on}}
| style="{{Weather box/colp|105.7}}"|{{convert|105.7|mm|in|disp=comma|abbr=on}}
| style="{{Weather box/colp|115.3}}"|{{convert|115.3|mm|in|disp=comma|abbr=on}}
|}

A hot season runs from mid-February to May. The [[Monsoon of South Asia|rainy season]] is from mid-May to October, the rainiest month. The annual average rainfall is {{convert|1350|mm|in}} with average humidity of 71 percent and 104 rain days. Highest average wind speeds are observed in December with {{convert|3.73|kn|km/h|sigfig=2}}.<ref name=Stats2016>{{cite web |url=http://it2.dnp.go.th/wp-content/uploads/Statistic-59.pdf |title=ข้อมูลสถิติ อุทยำนแห่งชำติ สัตว์ป่ำ และพันธุ์พืช |language=th |trans-title=STATISTICAL DATA National Parks, Wildlife and Plant |work=Department of National Parks |date=2016 |accessdate=2023-07-16}}</ref>

==Moken people==
{{Main|Moken}}
[[File:Moken boat.jpg|thumb|A Moken boat. Note the bifurcated bow, in contrast to traditional Thai fishing boats.]]
The Surin Islands are home to a small community of the [[Moken]] or Morgan people ({{langx|th|ชาวเล|lit=sea people|translit=chaao laeh}}, 'sea gypsies'). The Moken population on the Surin Islands is estimated to be between 150 and 330 individuals.<ref name="TAT" /><ref name="TNP" /><ref>{{cite conference |title=Indigenous people and parks: The Surin Islands Project |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000123016/PDF/123016eng.pdf.multi |format=PDF |conference=Identifying participatory development options for the Moken of the Surin Islands |publisher=[[UNESCO]] Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific |place=Paris |year=2001|access-date=2023-07-11}}</ref>

The Moken belong to one of three distinct tribes living along the Andaman Coast of [[Myanmar]] and Thailand. These include the Moken of the [[Mergui Archipelago]], the Moklen of [[Phang Nga Province]], and the [[Urak Lawoi]], who reside from [[Phuket Province]] down to [[Satun Province]]. These groups, having [[Austronesian peoples|Austronesian]] origins, are known for their distinct languages ([[Moken language|Moken]], [[Moklen language|Moklen]], [[Urak Lawoi' language|Urak Lawoi']]), culture, and lifestyle. They have a history of peaceful coexistence with their mainland neighbors. Traditionally, the Moken, particularly those in the Mergui Archipelago and along Thailand's North Andaman coast, led a nomadic life, spending much of their time on traditional houseboats known as ''[[Kabang (boat)|kabang]]''.<ref name=Hinshiranan2001>{{cite journal |title=''Kabang'': the living boat |journal=Techniques & Culture |date=2001-01-01 |last=Hinshiranan |first=Narumon |volume=35–36 |issue=35–36 |pages=499–507 |url=http://journals.openedition.org/tc/310 |issn=1952-420X |doi=10.4000/tc.310 |access-date=2023-07-14|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=Arunotai2006>{{Cite journal |title=Moken Traditional Knowledge: An Unrecognised Form of Natural Resources Management and Conservation |last=Arunotai |first=Narumon |journal=International Social Science Journal |date=2006-12-20 |volume=58 |issue=187 |pages=139–150 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-2451.2006.00599.x}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indigenousboats.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-moken-kaban.html |title=The Moken Kabang |last=Holtzman |first=Bob |work=Indigenous Boats |date=2012-10-13 |accessdate=2023-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lampipark.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Moken-Sea-gypsies.pdf |title=Moken sea-gypsies |last1=Ivanoff |first1=Jacques |last2=Bountry |first2=Maxime |work=Lampi Marine National Park |publisher=International Scientific Network Tanaosri |accessdate=2023-07-14}}</ref> This way of life allowed them to move from bay to bay, following the wind and weather patterns. The last kabang was reportedly built in 2006, with efforts to revive this traditional practice emerging around 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.andamannetwork.org/cause/build-a-new-moken-kabang-houseboat/ |title=Build a New Moken Kabang Houseboat |work=Projects |publisher=North Andaman Network Foundation |date=2018-06-27 |accessdate=2023-07-14}}</ref>

The Moken community, which does not have a written language, relies on [[oral lore|oral tradition]] to preserve and pass down their cultural heritage and knowledge.

Within the Moken community, familial bonds are notably strong and reliable. Linguistically, the Moken language lacks terms for individual possession, which is reflective of their cultural emphasis on sharing and communal living.

The Moken traditionally do not adhere to any formalized religion. Their practices include [[Veneration of the dead|ancestor worship]], which is evident in their funeral customs. In accordance with their traditions, deceased family members are buried beneath the family's house, accompanied by sea shells and other offerings as part of their ritualistic practices.<ref name="BP2017">{{cite news |last=Na Thalang |first=Jeerawat |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/1197265/sea-gypsies-turning-the-tide |title=Sea gypsies turning the tide |work=[[Bangkok Post]] |date=2017-02-12 |accessdate=2023-07-12}}</ref> The Moken possess a profound understanding of and respect for their natural environment and resources. Historically, they engaged in a subsistence lifestyle as hunter-gatherers, relying on the trade of shells, sea cucumbers, and fish in exchange for rice and other essentials. They have demonstrated extensive knowledge of local flora, utilizing 83 plant species for food, 33 for medicinal purposes, 53 for the construction of huts, boats, and tools, and 54 species for various other uses.<ref name="Arunotai2006" />

==National Park==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable" style=text-align:center
! Year
! Visitors<ref name="Stats2016" />
|-
| 2012
| 16,711
|-
| 2013
| 17,086
|-
| 2014
| 11,055
|-
| 2015
| 15,563
|-
| 2016
| 52,517
|}
[[File:Shane Koh Surin-04.jpg|thumb|A coral reef visible at low tide]]
Mu Ko Surin National Park ({{langx|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์|translit=oot yaan haeng chaa dti muu gaw soo ri noht}}), officially designated as Thailand's 30th [[List of national parks of Thailand|national park of Thailand]] on 9 July 1981<ref name="TAT" /> and later expanded on 6 July 2007, encompasses a group of islands along with their surrounding waters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2550/A/031/36.PDF |title=ขยายเขตอุทยานแห งชาติหมู เกาะสุรินทร ในท องที่ตําบลเกาะพระทองอําเภอคุระบุรีจังหวัดพังงาพ |language=th |trans-title=Expanding the area of the Surin Island National Park in Nai Thong at Ko Phra Thong Subdistrict, Khura Buri District, Phang Nga Province |work=Royal Gazette, Volume 124, Section 31 |location=Bangkok |date=2007-07-06 |pages=36–39 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111144502/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2550/A/031/36.PDF |archivedate=2022-11-11 |accessdate=2023-07-15 |quote=Inclusion of 3,907 [[Rai (unit)|rais]] ~ {{convert|6.2512|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} around Richelieu Rock.}}</ref> Covering an area of approximately 88,282 [[Rai (unit)|rais]] ~{{convert|141.25|km2|mi2}},<ref name="TAT" /> of which {{convert|108|km2|abbr=on}} or 76 percent is ocean.

Access to the park is typically through day trips using speedboats from [[Khao Lak]] and [[Khura Buri|Khura Buri Pier]], or via multi-day cruises. Visitors can pay the entrance fee at several locations, including the Surin Islands Visitor Center in Khura Buri, the park's headquarters at Chong Kaad Bay on Ko Surin Nuea, or directly to staff at Richelieu Rock. Accommodation options on Ko Surin Nuea include camping at Mai Ngam beach and a limited number of lodgings at Chong Kaad Bay. Besides the Moken village and park facilities, there are no other buildings on the islands, and most of the land areas, except for the Moken village and designated campsite, are restricted to visitors. During the high season, the park receives approximately 450 to 800 visitors daily. Mu Ko Surin National Park is typically open from 15 October to 15 May annually, although it may close earlier depending on weather conditions.<ref name="TNP" />

==Location==
{|role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|'''Mu Ko Surin National Park in overview PARO 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)'''
| 
|-
|[[File:MAP of PARO 5 Northwest (Nakhon Si Thammarat) EN.svg|thumb|900px|{{resize|150%|'''    13) Mu Ko Surin National Park in overview PARO 5'''}}]]
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#00FF00;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''National park'''
|-
|  1 ||[[Ao Phang Nga National Park|Ao Phang Nga]]
|-
|  2 ||[[Hat Chao Mai National Park|Hat Chao Mai]]
|-
|  3 ||[[Hat Khanom–Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park|Hat Khanom-Mu Ko Thale Tai]]
|-
|  4 ||[[Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park|Hat Noppharat Thara–<br>Mu Ko Phi Phi]]
|-
|  5 ||[[Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park|Khao Lak-Lam Ru]]
|-
|  6 ||[[Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park|Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang]]
|-
|  7 ||[[Khao Luang National Park|Khao Luang]]
|-
|  8 ||[[Khao Nan National Park|Khao Nan]]
|-
|  9 ||[[Khao Phanom Bencha National Park|Khao Phanom Bencha]]
|-
|10 ||[[Mu Ko Lanta National Park|Mu Ko Lanta]]
|-
|11 ||[[Mu Ko Phetra National Park|Mu Ko Phetra]]
|-
|12 ||[[Mu Ko Similan National Park|Mu Ko Similan]]
|-
|13 ||Mu Ko Surin
|-
|14 ||[[Namtok Si Khit National Park|Namtok Si Khit]]
|-
|15 ||[[Namtok Yong National Park|Namtok Yong]]
|-
|16 ||[[Si Phang Nga National Park|Si Phang Nga]]
|-
|17 ||[[Sirinat National Park|Sirinat]]
|-
|18 ||[[Tarutao National Park|Tarutao]]
|-
|19 ||[[Thale Ban National Park|Thale Ban]]
|-
|20 ||[[Than Bok Khorani National Park|Than Bok Khorani]]
|-
|}
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width=3%; background:#FFA400;"| 
| style="width=27%;"|'''Wildlife sanctuary'''
|-
|21 ||[[Kathun Wildlife Sanctuary|Kathun]]
|-
|22 ||[[Khao Pra–Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary|Khao Pra–Bang Khram]]
|-
|23 ||[[Khlong Phraya Wildlife Sanctuary|Khlong Phraya]]
|-
|24 ||[[Namtok Song Phraek Wildlife Sanctuary|Namtok Song Phraek]]
|-
|}
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#FDE910;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''Non-hunting area'''
|-
|25 ||Bo Lo
|-
|26 ||Khao Nam Phrai
|-
|27 ||Khao Phra Thaeo
|-
|28 ||Khao Pra–Bang Khram
|-
|29 ||Khlong Lam Chan
|-
|30 ||Laem Talumpuk
|-
|31 ||[[Ko Libong]]
|-
|32 ||Nong Plak Phraya–<br>Khao Raya Bangsa
|-
|33 ||Thung Thale
|-
| || 
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#C65900;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''Forest park'''
|-
|34 ||Bo Namrong Kantang
|-
|35 ||Namtok Phan
|-
|36 ||Namtok Raman
|-
|37 ||Namtok Thara Sawan
|-
|38 ||Sa Nang Manora
|}
|}
{{clear}}

==Flora and fauna==
[[File:Surin Island National Park, Thailand.jpg|thumb|Bay of Ko Surin Nuea]]
[[File:Dolphins! it's time to show off!.jpg|thumb|Dolphins off the islands]]
Mu Ko Surin National Park features a diverse range of ecosystems, with primary rainforests forming the majority of its terrestrial landscape. The park's beach areas are characterized by beach forests, where species such as ''[[Barringtonia]]'' and ''[[Cerbera odollam]]'' are prevalent. Additionally, [[mangrove]] forests are found in the park's mudflats and brackish waters, particularly in Mae Yai Bay.<ref name="DNP" />

Ecological surveys of the park have identified a rich biodiversity:<ref name="DNP" />
* The park is home to 91 types of [[bird]]s, comprising 57 local species and numerous migrating species.
* Mammalian life includes 22 species, with 12 types of [[bat]]s noted.
* Marine mammals such as [[Bryde's whale]]s have been observed within the park's waters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/475505 |title=ทะเลไทยสมบูรณ์ พบวาฬบรูด้า! เยือนหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์ |language=th |trans-title=Perfect Thai sea. Meet Bryde's whale! Visit Surin Islands |work=thairat |date=2015-01-18 |accessdate=2023-07-14 }}</ref>
* Reptilian fauna includes seven species, among them [[Asian water monitor]]s, [[Clouded monitor]]s, [[skink]]s, [[reticulated python]]s, and the [[Cyrtodactylus surin|Surin bent-toed gecko]], a species endemic to the area.
* Sea turtles still nest on the Surin islands, with two species coming ashore to lay their eggs, critically endangered [[hawksbill sea turtle|hawksbill]] and [[green turtle]]s. In the early-1990s some rare [[olive ridley turtle]]s were spotted.

[[BirdLife International]] has designated Mu Ko Surin National Park as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA). This designation is due to the park's support of several bird species of conservation concern. These include the near-threatened [[Nicobar pigeon]] and [[Beach stone-curlew]], the [[vulnerable species|vulnerable]] [[Large green pigeon]], and various nationally threatened or near-threatened species in Thailand, such as the [[Green imperial pigeon]], [[Pied imperial pigeon]], and [[Orange-breasted green pigeon]].<ref name=bli>{{cite web |url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mu-ko-surin-iba-thailand |title= Important Bird Area factsheet: Mu Ko Surin |date=2023 |website=BirdLife Data Zone |publisher=BirdLife International |access-date=2023-07-11}}</ref>

==Recreational diving==
[[File:Ko Surin.png|thumb|<span style="font-size:50%">✱</span> Richelieu Rock in the lower right corner of the map]]
More than 260 species of reef fish, 68 species of coral, 48 species of nudibranch, and 31 species of shrimp were recorded in the national park.<ref name="TNP" />

The best time for diving is from December to April with dry conditions, minimum wind and an average water temperature at around {{convert|29|C|F}}. All dive sites are only accessible by boat. While sightings of large pelagic species like [[manta ray]] and [[whale shark]]<ref name=Top15>{{cite web |url=https://www.scuba.com/blog/best-dive-sites-top-15-dives-to-experience-before-you-die-3/ |title=13. Best Whale Shark Dive – Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, Thailand |author=Noreen |work=Best Dive Sites: Top 15 Dives to Experience Before You Die |publisher=Scuba |date=2010-02-22 |accessdate=2023-07-13}}</ref> are rare, February to April is the best time to spot them.<ref name="TNP" /> Due to marine conservation initiatives, diving is not allowed in certain areas of the national park.<ref name="TNP" />

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float:center;"
|+ Popular dive sites
|-
! Name
! Type
! Coordinate
! Average depth
|-
| Richelieu Rock
| reef
| {{coord|9|21|48|N|98|1|19|E|type:landmark_scale:100000|display=inline|name=Richelieu Rock}}
| {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Ko Khai
| slope
| {{coord|9|22|16|N|97|52|13|E|type:isle_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Ko Khai}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Pak Kaad
| night
| {{coord|9.3797369|N|97.8777093|E|type:landmark_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Pak Kaad|format=dms}}
| {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Turtle Ridge
| slope
| {{coord|9.3892707|N|97.8818628 |E|type:landmark_scale:12500|display=inline|format=dms|name=Turtle Ridge}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Prebens Platon
| reef
| {{coord|9.3895591|N|97.8228844|E|type:landmark_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Prebens Platon|format=dms}}
| {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Suthep Bay
| slope
| {{coord|9.41538671|N|97.8488058|E|type:landmark_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Suthep Bay|format=dms}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Ko Glang
| slope
| {{coord|9|25|5|N|97|49|44|E|type:isle_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Ko Glang}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Hin Kong
| rocky islet
| {{coord|9|25|40|N|97|53|15|E|type:landmark_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Hi Kong}}
| {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Ko Chi
| slope
| {{coord|9|28|23|N|97|54|16|E|type:isle_scale:12500|display=inline|name=Ko Chi}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|}

[[Richelieu Rock]] is a solitary limestone pinnacle standing from around {{convert|30|to|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} depth with its peak right below the sea surface at low tide and home to some of the largest marine life species in Thailand.<ref name="TNP" />

== 2004 tsunami ==

=== Tourists ===
The tsunami caught tourists unaware at the Surin Islands and dragged them out towards the sea.

=== Moken ===
Oral tradition played a crucial role in their survival during the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami#Thailand2004 tsunami|2004 tsunami]] that affected the villages in Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai.<ref name="TNP" /> According to these oral traditions, when the villagers observed the sea receding unusually from the beaches, they recognized it as a precursor to a tsunami, a phenomenon encoded in their lore through the legend of the ''laboon'' or giant wave. This legend passed down through generations, teaches that a tsunami typically arrives as a series of waves and that an abnormally rapid retreat of the sea, followed by an incoming white breaker, is indicative of an imminent ''laboon'', even in the absence of other warning signs like wind changes or shifts in the sky.<ref name="ISDR">{{cite book |last1=Arunotai |first1=Narumon |url=https://www.unisdr.org/files/3646_IndigenousKnowledgeDRR.pdf |title=Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction: Good Practices and Lessons Learned from Experiences in the Asia-Pacific Region |date=July 2008 |publisher=[[United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction]] |editor-last=Shaw |editor-first=Rajib |location=Bangkok |pages=72–78 |chapter=Saved by an Old Legend and a Keen Observation: The Case of Moken Sea Nomads in Thailand |editor2-last=Baumwoll |editor2-first=Jennifer |accessdate=2023-07-12}}</ref>

Forewarned by this knowledge, the entire Moken population on these islands was able to move to higher ground for safety.<ref name="TNP" /> Those who were conducting snorkeling tours with tourists took immediate action to steer their boats away from the shore, thus avoiding the impact of the waves.<ref name="ISDR" /> Despite these precautionary measures, the tsunami resulted in the destruction of their homes and other belongings. Only about half of their boats survived the disaster. In the aftermath, the community rebuilt and consolidated into a single village named ''Ao Bon Yai'' in Ko Surin Tai.<ref name="TNP" />

==See also==
* [[List of islands of Thailand]]
*[[List of national parks of Thailand]]
* DNP - Mu Ko Surin National Park<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35099 |title=Mu Ko Surin National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref>
*[[List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Surin Islands}}
{{Wikivoyage inline|Mu Ko Surin National Park}}

{{National and forest parks in Thailand}}
{{ASEAN Heritage Parks}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Archipelagoes of Thailand]]
[[Category:Islands of the Andaman Sea]]
[[Category:Geography of Phang Nga province]]
[[Category:National parks of Thailand]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Phang Nga province]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Thailand]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Indian Ocean islands]]

Surin Islands - Revision history

imported>IshanShah117 at 05:11, 6 April 2026