

Before 1974, the island was a little known paradise. The 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" featured the island as the hideout for the villain. Unfortunately, the sudden popularity of this indigenous area resulted in pollution and litter spoiling the scenic area. The government established the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park in 1981. The park has many limestone and karst features alone the Andaman Sea. It is feared that Ko Tapu may collapse due to the weight of the island is supported by a 13 foot diameter (4 meters) at the water's edge. In an effort to protect Ko Tapu from erosion or damage due to tourist boats, the Thai government has outlawed access to the island.