|
by Graham Baird January 08, 2004 - VGFN employee Graham Baird traveled recently to a small island off the coast of Thailand to visit the Moken People. Here is a brief story of his trip and a few photos. |
The Moken are indigenous people living on islands off the west coast of Thailand. Traditionally they were nomadic travelling in boats they have built from trees and living in temporary villages or camps. They have lived along this coast for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years. The Moken are people of the sea, fishing and collecting many species of marine life for food. Their traditional knowledge of marine life and ecology is extensive. They also rely on forest products for food, medicine, housing and handicrafts.
My wife and I visited a village of about 200 Moken. The houses are made from bamboo with thatched roofs and sit on stilts above the beach. The village appeared to be very traditional with no modern facilities not even a school. There is no electricity or plumbing. The Moken are not recognized as Thai citizens and receive no government assistance. My wife gave notebooks and pencils to the children who seemed thrilled to receive these. We spent a morning showing them how to draw figures in their new books.
