Travel like the wind: Suchart Choolee
The first rays of dawn cast a golden glow across the vast expanse of water. The sound of a long-tail boat engine breaks the morning silence, carrying us across Thale Noi. The heart of this journey lies not only in the fields of red lotuses or the hundreds of thousands of birds, but in the powerful, enduring image of a large “Lamphu tree” standing solitary in the open water, like a guardian of this wetland.
It is a symbol of the abundance of Thale Noi, Thailand’s first wetland to be designated a Ramsar Site. Spanning over 285,625 rai (approximately 457 square kilometers), this area is like a massive ozone factory and one of the most vital breeding grounds and nurseries for aquatic animals in the Songkhla-Phatthalung lake basin.
This abundance has long nurtured the way of life for its people, especially the local fishermen whose lives are inextricably linked to these waters. And when speaking of fishing in Thale Noi, the most unique feature is undoubtedly the traditional gear born from local wisdom, known as the “Yo Yak” or giant lift net.
This is a large wooden structure supporting a vast net, waiting to be lowered into the water and then lifted, bearing nature’s gifts. What they await is “Pla Look Brae,” a small fish with a short life cycle that is a precious ingredient, transformed into signature dishes on nearly every table in Phatthalung, Songkhla, and neighboring provinces, whether deep-fried with turmeric until crispy or in a zesty sour curry.
The sight of local fishermen speeding in their long-tail boats to and from their nets from the crack of dawn, before carefully lowering them and skillfully timing the lift a vast net up the fish, is a reflection of a simple life that uses resources respectfully.
As the sun begins to cast a soft golden light, the engines of tourist long-tail boats start to bring the waters to life, ferrying visitors to admire the beauty of the red lotus fields, mangrove forests, and free-roaming water buffalo.Yet, in another corner of the vast waters, the scene of local fishermen continues peacefully and steadily. They meticulously raise and lower their nets in rhythm with nature, transforming the resources they gather into food that sustains their families.
This parallel scene underscores the truth that Thale Noi is not just a destination for travelers; it is a ‘home,’ a ‘life,’ and a ‘spirit’ that everyone must help protect. Thale Noi is more than just a body of water; it is a fragile yet vital ecosystem, a storehouse of biodiversity, a breadbasket that sustains community life, and a living cultural heritage.
The tour boat glides past the Lamphu tree that stands defiant against time and the rows of giant lift nets that loom on the horizon. It is a living poem that tells of the deep relationship between humans and nature. However, this beautiful relationship is now being severely challenged by the waves of economic change. Therefore, conserving Thale Noi is not just about protecting nature; it is about embracing a ‘way of life’ and safeguarding the ‘future’ of its people for generations to come.
Reference Information
Area and Importance of Thale Noi: The Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area covers approximately 285,625 rai (457 square kilometers) across three provinces:
Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. It was designated as Thailand’s first Wetland of International Importance, or Ramsar Site, on September 13, 1998.
It is critically important as a habitat for numerous species of water birds (both resident and migratory), one of the largest freshwater nurseries for aquatic animals, and a key balancer of the ecosystem in the Songkhla Lake Basin.
Leave a comment