Background of the Moken

Gluay, a local Moken lady who takes the tours around Payam with her husband Dinu

The Moken people are a nomadic group, originally migrating from South China, who now reside on islands and villages off of the mainland of Thailand and Burma. Often referred to as “Sea Gypsies”, their culture has always mainly been characterized by the ocean. They are known to live off the sea, collecting food, free diving, and living on boats separated from the mainland.  In the past, they would live for many months on their boats “kabang”, only coming ashore to sell their catch, replenish their supplies and return to the sea.  When the monsoon began, they would shelter on islands along the coast and spend this time repairing their nets and boats.

The Moken live simply and do not take more than they need when out fishing.  They have a relationship with the ocean like no other culture and understand the importance of sustainability to provide for their future.  The sea is their home, they are most happy when on their boats.

Moken longtails tied up at Koh Payam awaiting the storm

The Moken have the ability to remain under water for long periods of time whilst keeping their eyes open.  This makes them excellent free divers & spear fisherman, enabling them to catch only what they need.  They believe in letting the small sea creatures grow up large and strong – “save them for another day”.

Life is changing rapidly for the Moken People.  They spend more time living on the land than on their boats.  One of the biggest challenges facing the Moken is the loss of their culture.  Moken is not a written language; they are storytellers.  As the younger generation become more involved in the western world, the stories are simply not being heard as in the past.

The other major issue the Moken face is the lack if National Thai ID Status.  As many dont have any records of their birth (given they were always nomadic), its a long and difficult process.  Its slowly happening but will take many more years before we see all of them recognized as the original inhabitants of the Andaman Coast.

Moken Sea Gypsy Village – Koh Payam.

The Moken Village on Koh Payam numbers around 160 people; around 45 families and 50 children under the age of 15.  All the Moken children are now attending the local school where they are integrating with both Thai & Burmese students.

The long awaited BRIDGE !!!!!

Access to basic needs especially school for the children has always been very challenging for the Moken Community.  In 2013 we collaborated with United World College in Phuket to fund raise for a footbridge.  This would join the village to Buffalo Bay.  With the support of many returning guests we raised enough money.  Unfortunately the local Government did not give us permission to build.

In January 2014, the Deputy Prime Minister was planning a visit to Koh Payam.  This spearheaded the local Government to allow us to build the much needed footbridge.  After partitioning authorities for 8 years, local tradesmen finished our footbridge in 3 weeks.

For many years the children waded through the muddy water to get to school.  Especially difficult and quite dangerous during monsoon season.

Moken children on their way to school before the construction of our new bridge seen here.

Happy dry kids coming home from school

How All for Villages are supporting the Moken Community on Koh Payam

With your support, we are able to provide basic needs to the Community, some of them being:

• Cost of transportation for those needing to seek medical attention in Ranong.
• Provide basic medications ie; asthma sprays, cold and flu syrup for kids, antibiotics & female hygiene products.
• Purchasing string and beads so the children can learn to produce hand made bracelets and necklaces, very popular in the past.
• Purchased a sewing machine for the women and children to learn how to sew.  Normally they would make beautiful recycled shopping bags, paint them and see them across the island. 
• Supporting students studying on the mainland (Yaowawit School)
• Providing skills training/conversational English for future employment opportunities on the island.

Moken kids visiting our founders Gary & Amanda

Lunch in the Village