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People of Koh Phangan Island
Southern Thai People
The people and geography of Southern Thailand differ from other parts of the country. Instead of the rice paddies dominant in central Thailand, palm oil and rubber plantations grow in abundance. The Southern Thai are short with black hair and dark eyes. Their skin colour is darker than the average Thai. The personality of the Southern Thais is generally very strong. They are known for their kindness and generosity. They are more direct and can be more aggressive than Thais from other regions. It is important that visitors in this part of Thailand to stay calm, always smile and show gratitude for the kindness of their hosts. The distinct culture and personality of the Southern Thai people have often been misunderstood and has even become a source of conflict between their own fellow countrymen. They speak a dialect of the Thai language identified as 'Southern Thai' .
Koh Phangan People
About 8000 people live on Koh Phangan island. Some are Chinese whose ancestors migrated from China over 100 years ago. The main population lives in Thongsala the main town of the island. People on Koh Phangan continue to live a peaceful rural Thai lifestyle. Many islanders work outdoors as farmers and fishermen. The majority of the southern Thai are Theravada Buddhist. The people of Koh Phangan mix animism (the belief of spirits in nature) with Buddhism. There is a small Muslim community in Ban Kai. Only a tiny percentage of the people on Koh Phangan are Christian.
