Ratchaprapa Dam and the Cheow Larn reservoir project
Cheow Larn Lake was created following the construction of Ratchaprapa Dam in 1982. The hydroelectric dam was built to provide electricity for Surat Thani and other parts of southern Thailand. As part of the wider Cheow Larn project, the dam and reservoir were constructed for flood control, irrigation and fishing.
Wildlife and plant life
The Cheow Larn Lake area is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant life which thrives amidst the islands, submerged trees, caves, mountains and dense jungle. With much of the land around the lake inaccessible and designated as wildlife sanctuaries, the protected habitat supports many species of birds and fish as well larger animals including elephants and wild cats. The Cheow Larn Lake area is also home to a vast array of plants including the famous Rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world.