CELEBRATING THE SEA IN STYLE

When most people think of Koh Tao (Thai for “Turtle Island”), they think of a backpacker’s inexpensive scuba diving certification destination, not an international music festival.

Yet, that was the vision of local architect and developer Naruepon (Pong) Charoenittikul and, Eric Bochet, aka DJ Naphtaline, Koh Tao resident and freediver. Their collaborative effort give birth to the Tao Music and Underwater Festival: three days of underwater-themed art and music from March 28 to 30, 2017, a celebration of Koh Tao’s humble beginning as a scuba diving hub.

Acts included local Thai bands like Paradise Bangkok and Sriracha Rockers, who played alongside international music giants like Arrested Development and DJs Alex Barck, Adultnapper and Gilles Peterson.