Asian Diver and Scuba Diver Issue 02/2017 (108) | Page 9

2025. With other nations also beginning to pass
anti-plastic legislation, and more people than
ever before waking up to the massive damage our
waste is doing to the planet, this campaign could
mark a turning point in our plastic addiction.
CELEBRATING THE SEA IN STYLE
Text & images by Drew Wong
The event was spread over two venues: the
free daily beach party at Sai Ree beach, where
revelers enjoyed the cool musical stylings of
DJs like Kevin Yost and Gilles Peterson; and the
nightly ticketed festival at Sai Nuan hill, where
live bands performed and arts exhibits were held
on a purpose-built stage, with DJs closing each
night by pumping house, techno and trance till the
early morning hours.
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.
7 SDAA