Kaingthaung Island is a secluded and uninhabited island in the Gulf of Martaban, off the coast of Burma. It was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1511 and was named after an ancient king of Burma. The Portuguese renamed it Ilha de Ceilão (Island of the Rainbow) because of the many colors seen on the island’s shores. In 1598, the Dutch captured it from Portugal and renamed it Javea after their governor on Java.
The Dutch held the island until 1810 when it was returned to Burma. In 1937, the Japanese established a military base on the island, which they used as a staging post for their invasion of mainland Southeast Asia in 1942. After World War II, Kaingthaung Island became a United Nations peacekeeping mission station.
Contents
Kaingthaung Island History
Kaingthaung Island is a disputed island situated in the Gulf of Martaban off the coast of Burma. It is claimed by both Thailand and Burma. The United States has an active military presence on the island as part of its ASEAN Regional Security Initiative.
The Thai military seized the island in 1977 during the Vietnam War and has since been using it as a staging ground for operations into neighboring Burma. In 2009, following elections in Thailand, the military junta ceded Kaingthaung to the Thai government in a symbolic gesture to improve relations between the two countries.
Geography
Kaingthaung Island is a long and narrow island, about 16 miles long by 5 miles wide. It lies about 100 miles southwest of Tachileik in the Gulf of Martaban. The island is covered with dense rainforest, much of it still intact. There are no rivers or streams on the island, but there are several small bays and inlets that provide sheltered anchorages.
Ecosystem
The primary ecosystem on Kaingthaung Island is rainforest. There are several small clearings, known as karst areas, scattered throughout the island. These areas are home to numerous plant and animal species that would be difficult or impossible to find elsewhere in Burma.
Population
There is no reliable information on the island’s population. It is possible that there are only a handful of people living on the island.
Economy
The economy of Kaingthaung Island is mainly based on the fishing industry. The main species of fish caught are catfish, prawns, and shrimp. There is also a small number of agricultural crops, such as cassava and coconuts, which are grown for local consumption or exported.
The main exports are seafood products and garments. Tourism is also an important contributor to the economy of Kaingthaung Island, with visitors coming mainly to visit the historical sites and natural attractions.
Climate
The climate on Kaingthaung Island is tropical with a wet and dry season. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, and the annual rainfall is around 2,000 mm.
Culture and Religion
The culture and religion of Kaingthaung Island is predominantly Buddhist. The inhabitants of the island are closely connected to their spiritual beliefs, which play an important role in their everyday lives. There is also a small number of Muslims who live on the island.
Languages
The main languages spoken on Kaingthaung Island are Burmese and Karen.
Education
The education of Kaingthaung Island is quite varied and spans from pre-school to postgraduate level. The majority of schools on the island provide education in English, although there are also a few schools that offer instruction in Traditional Burmese. There are also a few international schools on the island that offer curriculums that correspond to English-based schools.
Politics
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the political situation in Kaingthaung Island at the time you are reading this. However, some general points that might be of interest include the following:
- Kaingthaung Island has been under military control since 1988 and is currently governed by the junta regime.
- The junta regime has been accused of human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and torture.
- The economy of Kaingthaung Island is heavily reliant on tourism, which has been hit hard by the political situation.
- There is a significant population of Burmese refugees living on the island.
Government Services
There are a limited number of government services available on Kaingthaung Island. These services include health care, education, and infrastructure development.
Tourism
Kaingthaung Island is a popular tourist destination in the Gulf of Siam, which is located off the coast of Thailand. The island is accessible by ferry from various points in Thailand and features various attractions, such as a royal palace, an ancient city, and a stunning beach. The island’s natural beauty has made it a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers, and it has also become a popular spot for scuba diving.
Hotels and Resorts List
Here you can find a list of hotels and resorts on Kaingthaung Island. Please note that the information provided is for general reference only and should not be relied upon as a complete source of information. Make sure to contact the individual hotels or resorts to verify the accuracy of their information.
Attractions
Here you can find a list of attractions on Kaingthaung Island. Please note that the information provided is for general reference only and should not be relied upon as a complete source of information. Make sure to contact the individual attractions to verify the accuracy of their information.
Activities
Kaingthaung Island is a tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Satun Province. The island is administratively part of Satun Province. The main town on the island is called Kaeng Krachan, which has a population of around 2,500 people.
Other settlements on the island include Ban Krachan (population about 1,500) and Ban Nong Khae (population about 500). Kaingthaung Island is home to more than 130 species of birds, including imperial pigeons, white-rumped sea eagles, and kingfishers.
Transport
Kaingthaung Island is accessible by ferry from various points in Thailand. The main ferry port is located in Satun Province and the trip takes about 2 hours. There are also regular ferries to the island from Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ko Samui, and Trat. Some visitors arrive on Kaingthaung Island by private yacht.
Cuisine
The cuisine on Kaingthaung Island is reminiscent of the maritime foods of the region. Typical dishes include squid in curry, fish curry with green beans, banana blossom salad with prawns and cashew nuts, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves.
Conclusion
Overall, Kaingthaung Island is a beautiful place with plenty to offer tourists. Although it can be strenuous to get around, the island is definitely worth the visit. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there’s plenty to see and do. The only downside is that it can be quite expensive to get there – but with a little planning, you should be able to afford the trip without too much trouble.
FAQs
1.What Is The Currency On Kaingthaung Island?
Ans: The main currency on Kaingthaung Island is the Thai baht. However, some resorts and other businesses also accept US dollars, euros, Japanese yen, Chinese renminbi, and Australian dollars as compensation.
2.How Do I Get To Kaingthaung Island?
Ans: There are regular ferries from various points in Thailand to the island. The trip takes about 2 hours.
3.Is Kaingthaung Island Open To Foreigners?
Ans: Yes, foreigners are welcome on Kaingthaung Island.
Leave a Reply