Koh chang

Koh chang is a great example of what the backpackers
can create over time. not more than a decade ago the island
was relatively undisturbed by tourists until the backpackers
asked the fisherman to take them out.  Devoid of power and 
simple amenities the hardcore came here looking for escape and 
the untrodden way.  The thia's are incredibly quick people nod 
within a few years tourist bungalows started to appear offering 
a few of the comforts of home!
Within five years of that the place had power and internet and then the 
large resorts began moving in and the race is now on to populate the island 
with more upmarket abodes for the cloud people who don't want to get there
toes warm or cold or wet or dry or whatever the locals are doing!
Rich thais and farang(foreigners) are buying the place up and laying down
everything at a blindingly fast rate.  It's remarkable to see the 
'western creep' in action here.  It has taken me some 
time to see it as it is.  It is easy to pine for the 
past but this is were we are and its also part of the reason i can communicate 
this small insight from across the globe to you!


the double edge sword of our ever reaching and ever destructive globalised
world is so evident out here and it seems unlikely that the 
beast can be re-contained now that so many folk depend 
and expect so much from the local resources and environment.  time will tell …..!


more soon……….