The prisoners were all released and transported by boat to Suratthani on the mainland and KoTao was deserted yet again. Ko Toa is a very small island, only twenty one square kilometres and all but half of that too rugged to access. To begin with the islandwas not populated, visited only by fishermen from nearby islands while in search of shelter during heavy storms or when they require fresh water and supplies. It seems peculiar that such a tourist paradise should have been at first set up as a penal island. Bizarre, but true. From 1933 until 1947 the islandhoused political prisoners. Being almost 70 km from the mainland meant it was comparatively escape proof! Alcatraz...piece of cake. Ko Toa is surrounded by lots of Whale sharks & Black Tip Sharks as well. The island of Kho Tao is one of Thailand's real tropical paradise. Blessed with golden beaches and hidden bays, tourists from all over the world come back year after year to soak up the amazing feeling of the island. About 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, Thailands Prime Minister at that time, requested & received a royal pardon for the islands political prisoners and thanks to a gracious act by His Majesty the King. They were repatriated and conveyed to Suratthani on the mainland and the island was isolated once again. This was the same year that the first people laid claim to a large piece of terrain on what is nowadays known as Sai Ree Beach. These were the twin brothers Khun Ueam and Khun Oh who came to KoToa by a small boat from the neighbouring island of KoPhangan.
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