Many of Thailand's world-famous beach destinations are located along the Andaman Sea. Over the last five years, one such destination that has been developing its tourism infrastructure at a rate that outruns the others is Koh Samui.

Koh Samui has long been famous for its natural beauty, its fishing villages and coconut orchards and it is without doubt that these elements are what draw many tourists to Kho Samui island. However, as more and more hotels and resorts are built in response to the increase in the number of tourists, it is inevitable that such a rate of development would impact the people of Koh Samui and their lifestyles.

Many of owners of coconut plantations have had to concede to the pressures from investors and developers, for two reasons: one was the uncertain market prices for the coconuts they planted, and second was the very attractive incentives offered to them for their land. Hence on Koh Samui today, one can see many coconut plantations disappearing, to be replaced by construction sites.

Thailand's historic, southern province of Phangnga offers diverse tourism attractions, in its forested hills, caves, waterfalls and islands dotted in the Andaman Sea. One such island is Phra Thong, the fifth largest in Thailand and known for its unspoiled, savanna-like landscape. And, on the way from Phangnga town to the island, it is well worth stopping over a Khao Lak-Lamru National Park for a spot of elephant riding and rafting, as well as seizing the opportunity to observe the local fauna and flora.

The park is located on highway 4 between the districts of Thai Muang and Takua Pa and is well served in terms of accommodation with choices ranging from small and large hotels to luxurious resorts, all offering a friendly service readily associated with southern folk.

From Khao Lak, it's about one hour's drive to Kuraburi pier from where visitors board a long-tail boat to ferry across to Phra Thong Island. Similar arrangements apply from the pier at Baan Thung La Ong Village. There's little difference in the price, and it takes about one hour to reach the island.

Pattani is an important coastal town in southern Thailand. Its population is predominantly Muslim, with a lifestyle that's quite different from other parts of Thailand. This is significantly reflected in the household utensils for daily use, which are designed according to local needs, beliefs and traditions.

Making brassware is a traditional craft in Pattanni, with artisans using a molding style and a production process unique to the province. Unfortunately, it is a dying art. Today there is only one brass-ware maker left and he can be found at Jabangtigor sub-district, Muang district.

This brass-ware maker makes mostly kitchenware used by Muslim households in their daily life, such as cooking pots, noodle-making tools, pudding molds or waffle makers, etc. The Pattani brass cooking pot is special in that it is believed to make the food taste better; however, fewer Muslim households are using brass cooking pots these days, preferring instead to use electric rice cookers and other modern cooking utensils.