There are 3 main ethnic groups in Krabi who arrived in the area from other regions along the coast. Each group has played a part in the history of the region.
The most fascinating group is the Chao Ley, the nomadic Sea Gypsies of the Andamans whose origins are unknown, who speak their own language, and who have their own beliefs. The sea gypsies live in small settlements around the mangrove forests and earn their living from fishing and shell collecting. They were particularly hard hit by the tsunami.
Unfortunately, have never assimilated with the main groups in the area, they have no land rights. Being extremely poor, plus not having a good knowledge of the Thai language or how to approach officials, they were not well placed to benefit from the help that was given to those who had lost everything.
The other two groups are descended from the first settlers, immigrants from China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who came to work in the tin mines of Phuket, and Muslims who came to the area from Malaysia and neighbouring provinces in the south. Phuket's wealth is based on tin mining which only ceased about a decade ago, and rubber planting which still continues, but the island is better known as Thailand's No. 1 holiday resort.
Many of these immigrants assimilated into Thai society and are prominent members of the business community, operating hotels and business venture in the tourist trade. Most of them still speak Chinese and observe Chinese rituals and these have been absorbed into the local culture.
Krabi is also home to several Muslim communities and these too are active in the growing tourist traded, operating kayaking trips along Krabi's coast and around the twin limestone outcrops that rise 100 metres above water - symbols of Krabi. The James Bond Island is a favourite trip.
Krabi is less than one hour from Phuket by boat, the preferred method of getting there from the Island. There is a small airport which means that those who dislike the eight hour drive from Bangkok can now fly direct. The beaches are stunning and the resorts invariably offer a view of sea and mountains. There are some world-class hotels plus a thriving backpacker life living alongside it.
Now that tourism is returning to the area there is renewed hope amongst all ethnic groups that life will soon return to normal. There is an acute awareness of the religious tensions in the south of Thailand and everyone wants to preserve the rich mix of cultures and ease of working together that they have in Krabi.
