During World War II, Tarutao used to serve as a place of detention for long-term detainees and political prisoners and as an occupational training center for convicts. It was declared Thailand’s eighth national park in 1974 .Tarutao National Park is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in the province and it is located only a few kilometers from the Malaysian. It is recognized as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves. During World War II, Tarutao used to serve as a place of detention for long-term detainees and political prisoners and as an occupational training center for convicts. It was declared Thailand’s eighth national park in 1974.