The Moken Sea Gypsies live in the Surin Islands

For thousand of years the Moken sea gypies, lived in the Surin Islands, without much influence from western culture. The Moken are hunter gatherers, with a huge knowledge of the sea that surrounds them.

When the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck. The Mokens saved many lives as they were able to read the signs –  When the sea recedes you should move to higher grounds. Their livelihood is totally dependent on the sea, spear fishing is vitally important to them. The Moken people are skilled free divers and reach depth of over 20 meters(65ft). Staying under water there for several minutes on a single breath looking for food

Moken sea Gypsies have amazing vision underwater.

They have amazing underwater vision. Their eye sight has evolved from centuries of free diving. Allowing them to see in their underwater environment more clearly. Without using weights, the Mokens have mastered the art of being negatively buoyant. This has the great advantage. Of letting them walk across the ocean floor hunting for daily food. When it’s low tide the women of the village collect seashell and make jewellery. Possible to sell to the tourist. Who wish to see them in their natural environment.

Times have changed for the Mokens of the Surin Islands. The younger generation are being encouraged to live on the land. Where once you could see roofs made from palm leafs. Now its blue Tarpaulins. That covers their heads at night. where once there was silence of the small sail boats passing by, now there is only the noise of the engines of the long tail boats.