Thailand: Urak Lawoi (Sea Gypsy) boats, Ko Lanta, Krabi Province

The ‘Sea Gypsies’ or Moken of the Andaman Sea, known in Thai as chao thalae or ‘people of the sea’, are divided into three groups. They number between 4,000 and 5,000, they live only on the coast, either in huts by the shore, or on craft that ply the coastal waters from the Mergui Archipelago in Burma to the Tarutao Islands in Southern Thailand.

The largest Sea Gypsy group are the Urak Lawoi, numbering around 3,000. They live in simple shacks on beaches stretching south from Phuket to the Tarutao islands and make a living by fishing and beachcombing. Their two largest settlements are at Ko Sirey and Rawai in the southeast of Phuket island.

Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.

The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia