History of Cheow Lan Lake (Khaosok national park)

Rajjaprabha Dam: A Jewel of Southern Thailand
Rajjaprabha Dam, more commonly known as Cheow Lan Dam, is a significant multi-purpose dam located in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Its history is quite fascinating.

Origin and Construction
        Royal Project: Chiao Lan Dam was conceived as one of the projects to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's 5th cycle birthday in 1987 and the Ratchamangkala Bhisek Ceremony in 1988.
        Purpose: Built under the 4th National Economic and Social Development Plan, the dam aimed to provide various benefits, including electricity generation, flood control, addressing water pollution and salinity issues, promoting agriculture, and enhancing energy security in the southern region.
        Implementation: The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) undertook the construction, beginning on February 9, 1982, and completing it in September 1987.
        Dam Structure: Rajjaprabha Dam is a rock-fill dam with a clay core. Its crest is 761 meters long and 94 meters high. It can impound 5,640 million cubic meters of water, with a reservoir area of 185 square kilometers. Additionally, there are six smaller dams blocking the narrow valleys.

The Name "Rajjaprabha"
        Upon completion, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great bestowed the new name "Rajjaprabha Dam," which means "Light of the Kingdom."
        His Majesty, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, presided over the inauguration of the Rajjaprabha Dam and its hydropower plant on September 30, 1988.

Impact and Evacuation
        The dam's construction and subsequent water impoundment, which began on April 3, 1986, caused the water level to rise rapidly, submerging vast forests. The hills and mountains became isolated, forming 162 small islands.
        This transformation significantly impacted various wildlife species, leading to a shortage of food and habitat, as well as flash floods. Consequently, a large-scale wildlife evacuation operation was carried out, serving as a crucial lesson in environmental and wildlife conservation.

Present Day
        Today, Rajjaprabha Dam is a significant and famous tourist destination, often called "Thailand's Guilin" due to its breathtaking landscape of towering limestone karsts nestled amidst emerald green waters. It's a popular spot for boat tours, relaxing on floating raft houses, and exploring the various caves within the reservoir area.

Activities in side the Lake

• Prakaiphet Cave (Diamond Cave) nature trail
• Prakarang Cave (Coral Cave) nature trail
• Banghoi waterfall nature trail
• Kraisorn view point nature trail
• wildlife safari
• swiming
• kayaking
• boating sightseeing
  

Cheow Lan Lake map