Lifestyle Koh Samui
Although Koh Samui is in southern Thailand
where Islam has a strong influence, the original inhabitants of the island, known as 'Chao Samui', are predominantly Buddhist. In the past, most of the locals made their living in the coconut farming business. Nowadays, however, most work in jobs related to tourism. Many locals have become wealthy from selling off land they have owned for decades. As a result of the extensive development of the island, many Thai-Chinese have come to Samui from the capital of Bangkok (Bangkok ). Most of the manual labor needed to keep up with the island’s growth has been provided by people native to the country’s poorer north-eastern region. As a result, there is a wide cross section of economic classes on the island.
The south of Thailand
is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai Chinese, Muslims and traditional sea-faring gypsies. Koh Samui does not seem to suffer from the religious tensions in communities along the southern border of Thailand, and in general the locals live in harmony. Outside of the tourist areas,
The Thai language
is spoken with a thick Southern dialect which is even difficult for northern Thais to understand,With this broad mixture of cultures, Ko Samui is always celebrating some tradition or another, including western
Lipa Noi Beach on Ko Samui
Thailand, shortly after sunset. The islands of the Ang Thong Marine National Park (Mu Koh Angthong) are visible at the horizon.