Surat Thani is the largest of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Thani_Province)