KOH MAK ISLAND: LIVING ESCAPE HIDDEN COMMUNITY

No other places in the world is the same as Koh Mak in Thailand, I believe so myself from the very first moment I disembarked with my luggage on Ao Nid Pier, the main crowded pier on the island. My island chapter on Koh Mak 101 began. Having arriving on the pier on one Saturday evening, I discovered a bunch of people hanging around, waiting and helping arrivals lift up their stuffs and luggage from the boat. Just like a group of “family”, everybody seemed to know each other... that is truly a local Thai way of living, small but strong in harmony, that I am certain you wouldn't see much of that in the big cities where are mingled with materialism.

Surely, unlike the paradise as Phuket, neither the civilized island like Koh Chang nor the nightlife city like Pattaya, Koh Mak nowadays remains what is hardly to find in a today's value of Thai society - a real heart and sympathy. In this globalization era, this value is completely disappeared and people forget what family and friends are for, instead they are making more enemies, following their ambition of business and success. BUT I found this island is far from those, much upside-down in the great way. Everywhere on the island, I would say, is the Road of Friendship. While walking and passing, you can see one or two smiles. On motorbike, it is a smile plus a saying hello in Thai passing by. At the supermarket, you can still find one. Zillions of smiles are throughout every corner on the island. So to me this becomes the “CHARM” of the Island... and appears to be a happy family ever.

Not only have local villagers been living here for years, but there are also some people relocating here for business or moved here on duties, and they all finally are in love with Koh Mak, from one resort owner to the other ones, and electricity shop owner to the police chief...

“I have been living on Koh Mak for 5 years. I found this island very natural when I was on my trip here long time ago and suddenly I fell in love with it. Firstly I wanted to build a summer house by the sea but I wasn't that rich just to have a house here and stay from time to time. So instead I made my decision to build a resort where I could stay as well as make my revenue. But most of the time I prefer to stay on the island. Life here is very unsimilar, crystal clear water and truly natural. To me, Koh Mak is a happy house, small world but full of peace.” - Khun Jo, the owner of Baan Koh Mak Resort

“It is now my 7th year to live on Koh Mak. My friend Aea and I love to spend life on the sea and it became a coincidence when we found this island or it could be a miracle for us, from the first moment we were on this island. It's serenity, beauty, nature and less crowded. The charming white sand beaches, black rock, cliff and the beautiful small islands are around. Once we built up a resort here, I then have house by the sea that I could come anytime. So far, I have been spending my time between Bangkok and the island. If I am bored of the city, I will just escape here.” - Khun Oui, the owner of Koh Mak Cococape Resort.

“I am actually from Trat, and I owned a small electricity shop there. But I spent my time working between the island and the city, once a resort owner came to my shop in Trat for my service. That's when I first stepped on the island, I found it very attractive in the way of tranquility and easy lifestyle, no rush and no competition. So in January 2007, I decided to relocate here with my wife. Personally I am not a sociable person so this island's lifestyle is perfect for me when I don't have to do much networking around, just stay in my place on my own way.” - Mechanic Took, only one electricity shop.

“I was given a duty to be on a look out for Koh Mak regarding the safety control. When I first came to the island, I didn't feel like it due to inconvenient transportation and roads were so terrible, very rough. But when I have been here even more often I fell for people, very friendly with easy lifestyle. Everybody here is living together like one nice and big family. They all follow the rules as well. Koh Mak is truly my home until today.” - Police Chief Ti, Koh Mak

“9 years ago, I visited Koh Mak as a backpacker, and I really liked the island so I started to come very often. I am very much impressed with the beauty of the island, very natural, peaceful and quiet. It is also a good place to create my music, so I decided to stay here on the island 8 months ago, being an English teacher for kids and adults while doing music at the same time. I can speak Thai as well so it's very easy to mingle with locals.” - Mr. Jay, an English teacher at Baan Koh Mak Primary School

I believe there are still many people escape to the island and most never ever want to return to the city anymore. Because easy lifestyle matters...