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Koh Lanta has a population of approx. 20,000 people. The community is a mixture of local Muslims and northern Buddhists, while the local trade, especially in Ban Saladan is predominantly under the control of Thai Buddhists from Chinese descent. Nowadays, the traditional economy is supplemented by growing income from tourism. [more]
Most of the Muslim community earn their living from rubber, palm, cashew nut, coffee and coconut plantations, benefiting from the soil comprising of mostly sandy clay.
Much of the island is owned by a clan of Sea Gypsies, a tribal culture dating back more than a thousand years. These seafaring Chao Ley (as they are called in Thai) retain their language and many ancient customs and ceremonies. They are natural fishermen and keep the island supplied with fresh eating fish and seafood including shrimp, crayfish, oysters and more.
The rest of the island is under the control of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park that protects the jungle and forest areas. Tree cutting is strongly restricted so most resorts are set in natural surroundings.
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