Sailing through the brackish mangrove forest at the mouth of Ban Don Bay, I strolled along a wooden bridge to immerse myself in the ecosystem and learn about the life cycle of fireflies. The dense, tangled canopy formed by the intertwining branches of mangrove trees, including the rich varieties of Rhizophora and Avicennia, has led to this area being likened to the Amazon of the Thai Peninsula. The unique ecosystem within the community’s waterway of Ban Leled is particularly special, as the Phun Phin Canal receives a substantial flow of fresh water from the Tapi River, resulting in less saline water in the canal. A century ago, during the era of Khun Leled, the first village chief, it was said that this canal teemed with crocodiles. Along the entire stretch of the canal, one can find vast mangrove thickets, with other types of mangroves, such as Sonneratia and Bruguiera, located further from the water's edge, reaching out to the bay's mouth. This arrangement fosters sediment accumulation, creating new land extending into the sea. The mangrove forest and brackish water attract an incredible number of fireflies, which can be observed from the walkways winding through the mangroves, allowing visitors to appreciate nature and study this flourishing ecosystem, which is also home to various species of monkeys and birds. Local fishermen use “hook nets” to catch shrimp, which are then processed into the famous shrimp paste, known as 'Kapi' or 'Kapi Kung Had Mun,' unique to Ban Leled. Some also engage in board scraping to find shellfish or set traps for mud crabs. In front of the bay, there are clam farms, while the canal is lined with coconut plantations. The water's edge is dotted with a diverse variety of mangrove trees utilized for many purposes. All of these elements contribute to the richness of the local natural environment, intertwining with the community's way of life.