Tachai Island is not just a beautiful island in the Andaman Sea. It is one of the few islands in Thailand that features a complete and interconnected ecosystem within a small area—from a freshwater source hidden in the heart of the island, to coastal forests, and down to vibrant coral reefs beneath the sea.
This unique combination gives Tachai Island true “life,” while also making it a delicate and fragile natural environment at the same time.
Table of Contents
1) Freshwater at the Heart of the Island: The Core of the Ecosystem
What truly sets Tachai Island apart from most tropical islands is its natural freshwater source located within the island itself.
This freshwater nourishes the island’s interior forests, maintains year-round moisture, and supports the survival of many terrestrial species.
Freshwater here is not merely a drinking source for wildlife—it plays a crucial role in shaping forest structure, soil systems, and the overall health of the island’s surrounding beaches.
2) Home of the Hairy Leg Mountain Crab
One of the most iconic species representing Tachai Island’s unique ecosystem is the Hairy Leg Mountain Crab.
This rare crab depends on freshwater, a healthy forest, and access to the sea within a single life cycle—a requirement that is extremely uncommon on offshore islands.
Tachai Island provides all the necessary conditions, allowing these crabs to grow, forage, and reproduce naturally. At certain times, visitors may even spot them walking along forest paths near the beach—an unmistakable sign of a truly healthy ecosystem.
3) Coastal Forests That Connect Land and Sea
The island’s forests act as a natural bridge between terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Tree roots stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and prevent sediment from washing into the sea—directly protecting nearby coral reefs.
When forests remain healthy, coral reefs are given the chance to recover and thrive as well.
4) The Underwater World: Coral Reefs and Marine Biodiversity
Surrounding Tachai Island are coral reefs that serve as habitats for a wide variety of marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even Blacktip Reef Sharks, which are often spotted close to the shoreline.
This underwater richness does not occur by chance—it is the result of a finely balanced connection between forest, freshwater, and sea.
5) A Beautiful but Fragile Ecosystem
Because of its delicate balance, Tachai Island’s ecosystem requires special care.
Seemingly small actions—such as littering, feeding fish, or disturbing wildlife—can cause long-term environmental damage.
Responsible tourism is therefore essential to preserving Tachai Island’s natural beauty for future generations.
Tachai Island: More Than a Destination — A Natural Classroom in the Andaman Sea
The ecosystem of Tachai Island demonstrates how nature can design balance with remarkable precision. When freshwater, forest, beaches, and the underwater world work together, this small island becomes one of the most extraordinary natural areas in the Andaman Sea.
And it is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve this uniqueness for as long as possible.
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