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The new tourist attraction on secluded and peaceful island off Phuket's southeast coast has feathers, but it's the visitor's delight that takes flight.

Previously best known for it's century-old Royal Thai Navy lighthouse, now part of the Southern Sea Level Measuring Station, the 60-rai Koh Tapao Noi is also home to about 50 pairs of rare oriental pied hornbills.

Anthracoceros albirostris is the smallest of Thailand's 13 hornbill species, but a big indicator of the ecosystem's health.

Could Phuket become a magnet for birdwatchers? Vice Admiral Narong Thedvisal certainly has tourism in mind.

The commander of Third Navy Area Command points out that the Navy has developed the Naval Museum, Chulachomklao Fort Naval Historical Park, Sattahip Naval Base, the Turtle Conservation Centre, Thian Tale Beach, HTMS Chakri Naruebet and Sai Kaeo and Nang Ram beaches with visitors in mind.

Koh Tapao Noi, he says, could be a fine eco-tourism destination.

Keeping watch

No one will be allowed to stay overnight on the island - the ecology is too sensitive. But visitors will be able to feed the hornbills in the morning, under strict supervision.

Monogamous but omnivorous and often moving in family units, hornbills are declining in numbers due to the rapid loss of forest habitat and poaching.

A 15-minute boat ride from Ao Kham Pier, Koh Tapao Noi has a short, pristine beach. The old lighthouse perches on a hill with wonderful views. There's even a Japanese pillbox left over from World War II.

The Navy and Tambon Wichit Administration Organisation are improving a rickety wooden bridge, jungle trails and other facilities to serve day-trippers.

Meanwhile the Navy is playing a greater role in tourist security all along the Andaman coast, a task it was assigned following the 2004 tsunami to help restore visitor confidence.

Vice Admiral Narong says the Navy's Marine Security Centre is trained for rapid rescues, using vessels and helicopters equipped with medical gear.

 FEATHERED FRIENDS

>> The pier at Ao Makham is a drive of 20 to 30 minutes along Jao Fah Road in Phuket town to the Sakdidet intersection. Turn left on Sakdidet and drive eight kilometres to the southeast coast.

 >> Call the Navy's Hydrographic Department at (02) 475 2396 or (084) 625 9067, or e-mail aton_division@hotmail.com.