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the Degree Confluence Project
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Thailand

7.3 km (4.5 miles) E of Laem Kho Kwang (Cape), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Approx. altitude: 0 m (0 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 9°S 80°W

Accuracy: 22 m (72 ft)
Quality: good

Click on any of the images for the full-sized picture.

#2: View North, with Ko Samui in the distance #3: View South #4: View East #5: View West #6: GPS registration #7: Captain Choodt #8: The captain's primary love #9: The captain's secondary love

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  9°N 100°E  

#1: Confluence point

(visited by John Dag Hutchison)

11-Mar-2009 -- The easiest way to get to the cp seemed to get a boat in Sichon, a fishing port about 9.5 km west of the point. I came from Suratani, got in to Sichon and headed for hotel Krua Poy Resort, with only three guest, a Thai honeymoon couple and an American who enjoyed the quietness near the deserted beach. A young man in the reception with a limited command of English quickly gave up understanding why I wanted a boat to go to a point at sea where there was nothing to see and strongly suggested a beer instead.

Down in the actual port I met a man who understood the concept of longitudes and latitudes. His friend had a 15 m wooden trawler for catching shrimps, squid and general fish. Half an hour later the captain, his son and the "agent" and I were on our way.

The captain found the purpose of the visit puzzling. None spoke anything but Thai. It is more than forty years since I lived in Thailand and learned the language. Most of it has now vanished, partly due to filling up with other languages since then. It was difficult to find the words I needed, and when they spoke to me, I sometimes remembered the word, - but had forgotten the meaning.

The discussion soon drifted over to the question of women. Did I have a Thai girlfriend? I explained that I had a good wife in Norway who did not like the hot climate in Thailand now. That was why I traveled alone.- OK, but do you have a Thai girlfriend? Finally we both agreed that having a good wife with you or at home was definitely the best.

When we arrived at the cp we found a fishing net at the very spot. That made navigation close to the cp difficult, there was a slight breeze and for a moment the captain thought he had the net in the propeller. So we settled for a GPS reading of 22 m.

The cp is about 20 km south of the tourist centre Ko Samui. 15 km or so east of the cp you can see an oil/gas installation of some kind.

Back in port the captain introduced me to his charming wife, his daughter, and his grand children. They all had to be photographed. The trip cost Baht 2000 without much bargaining. (The captain offered half to the "agent" but he insisted on only 10 %).

Back in the hotel there was just time for a wonderful dip in the sea before I took that cool beer I was offered earlier.

Ps. Forgot to adjust the time on the GPS which shows CET.


 All pictures
#1: Confluence point
#2: View North, with Ko Samui in the distance
#3: View South
#4: View East
#5: View West
#6: GPS registration
#7: Captain Choodt
#8: The captain's primary love
#9: The captain's secondary love
ALL: All pictures on one page
  Notes
In the ocean, but with a good view of land.