Understand
Ko Lipe sometimes spelled Koh Lipe is outside of the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park, and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development.
The island is home to about 500 Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies, who were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. The name "Ko Lipe" means "Paper Island" in the local Chao Ley language.
According to a December 2008 report by the Sustainable Tourism Network, Ko Lipe is faced with numerous environmental problems, including destruction of wetlands, waste disposal, and water shortgages.
However, it is surrounded by uninhabited islands of the Butong Archipelago.
