People of Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is home to three very distinct cultural groups – the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsies), Thai-Muslim people and the Thai-Chinese. All share innate Thai warmth that’s locally known as ‘The Ko Lanta Charm’. They’ve lived together in peace and harmony for hundreds of years in mixed communities around the island. Today most tourists find it difficult telling the distinct groups apart.

The Chao Ley preceded Malay migrants who had been converted to Islam from ancient animistic beliefs, adapting the new religion into their traditional culture. These settlers, many of whom came from Sai Buri and Nakorn Sri Thammarat, referred to themselves as ‘Orang Lon-Ta’. Orang is a Malay term meaning ‘people’, and on old Malay maps the island is named ‘Pulau Lonta’. Today the local Thai Muslims on the island practice a moderate version of Islam.

Chinese merchants arrived on the island more than 100 years ago during the revolution that saw communist ruler Chairman Mao Tse Tung take power. They fled to trading ports throughout Southeast Asia (including Ko Lanta) from Kwang Tung, Hai Lham Island and Sua Thaw in China. Today they continue on the island as business owners, agricultural farmers and fishermen.