Ko Lanta’s History and Culture

The Island’s Name, Chronicles, Culture and Traditions

The Island’s Name
Many visitors to Ko Lanta are curious to know what the island’s name actually means.  Whilst the irrefutable origin of the word ‘Lanta’ remains unproven, there are a number of interesting proposals. 
The first is based upon claims the island was initially known as ‘Janub Lanta’ (‘Southern Lanta’ in the Malay language) with supporting evidence drawn from ancient Arabian ocean charts showing the same name. 
The second stems from a Javanese word used to describe a sieve for drying fish, ‘Lantus’.  This is a food preserving process still used today during the green season by the Sea Gypsies (‘Chao Ley’ in Thai) on Ko Lanta.  
Another source claims ‘Pulau Lon-Ta’ was the initial name given, again originating within the Malay language, ‘Pulau’ meaning ‘island’.
And a final theory, again propped up by specialist scrutiny of antique papers, indicates that the word ‘Laan-Ta’ was the first name known, derived from a Thai word translated as ‘to get blurry eyes’, due to the dust generated from shells on the many beaches.
Whatever the true origin, the island’s name was officially declared ‘Lanta’ around 100 years ago during the reign of King Rama V.  It was also at this time that the first Chief Officer to govern the district was elected.  His office, built in classic Thai-style nearly 70 years ago, was a two-storey wooden house that still stands in Old Town today.

Chronicles, Culture and Traditions 
Ko Lanta actually consists of two islands - Lanta Yai (‘big’ Lanta) and Lanta Noi (‘little’ Lanta).    The majority of the population today lives on Lanta Yai, where all of the accommodation and facilities for visitors are located.
The island’s historical background includes the safe-haven port it provided for commercial traders coming from China and the Arab continent.  Before the first World War, Ban Saladan at the northern end of Lanta Yai, was a tax checkpoint for sea vessels travelling to the Malay peninsular.
Original settlers on Ko Lanta were direct descendants from the Orang Sireh (‘orang’ meaning ‘people’ in the Malay language) a nomadic branch of the Moken tribe, who lived life on the high seas.  Moken is the group name used for all of the proto-Malay speaking tribes inhabiting the islands and coast in the Andaman, various Thai provinces including Krabi, Trang, Phuket and Ranong, up through to the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar (formerly Burma).   Formed when early Malay settlers arrived on the island, the Orang Lanta is an amalgamation of same with the Orang Sireh.
In Thailand the Moken are known as the ‘Chao Ley’ (people of the sea) and often referred to as ‘Sea Gypsies’ in general conversation.  Acculturated Chao Ley were granted the new name of ‘Thai Mai’ (new Thai’s) and national identity, in 1975 by Her Majesty the Queen.  Their social structure is matriarchal and their spiritual faith animist, with a strong belief in the supernatural.
An influx of ethnic Chinese arriving on Ko Lanta occurred during the revolution that granted the dictator Mao Tse Tung authority.  Fleeing to various trading ports within Southeast Asia, they came from Sua Thaw, Kwang Tung and Hai Llam Island.
Ko Lanta’s cultural mix today then, is unique, and still includes Chao Ley, Thai-Muslim and Thai-Chinese.  With the advent of tourist development, many Bangkok-Thai and Farang have joined the local communities, contributing to the interfaith blend.
While the island population remains predominantly Muslim, various forms of spiritual worship can be seen to be expressed here, from the daily call to prayer at the mosques and blessings at the local Wat (temple) by Buddhist monks to the twice yearly observance of ‘Loy Rua’ (Floating Boat). 
This last is a superstitious ceremony performed by the Chao Ley where a symbolic boat is built and wooden statues representing villagers are placed inside, along with nail clippings, hair and popped rice.  When released on the waters, it denotes a request for forgiveness, for any offense caused to the sea and its’ gods.  Any evil incurred by the town is believed to be carried away with good luck following. 
One result of Ko Lanta’s rich and colourful heritage is the performance of traditional Rong-Ngang dance and music.  The folk dance incorporates movements from old-fashioned western dances, while the music is played on violins, Arabian drums and Chinese gongs. It also includes the use of Raman Drums and Malaysian lyrics.  Rong-Ngang is customarily performed during special festivals, including the aforementioned Loy Rua.  A full-length performance is included annually at the Laanta-Lanta Festival. 

© Jessica Davies 2007 © GayLanta.net 2007