The Moken of the Surin Islands

For thousand of years the Moken (Thai:ชาวเล, chao le “sea people”) have lived without much influence from Western Culture. The Moken are a hunter gatherers with a huge knowledge of the ocean and the marine life. In 2004 when the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck, they saved many life’s as they were able to read the signs that 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 are skilled free diver and reach depth of over 20 meters(65ft). Staying under water there for several minutes on a single breath looking for prey. They have excellent underwater vision because theire eyes have adapted to the liquid environment through years of free diving. Without using weights the Moken can become negatively buoyant and walk across the ocean floor hunting for fish as if they where hunting on land.

These nomadic fisher men are now being encouraged to settle on land and join the monetary economy. But still there are many families who spend their days staying on their longtail boats fishing and gathering food. Tarpaulins have replaced the palm leaf roofs and the engine has replaced the sails. During low tide the Moken woman collect seashells.