|
|
A family of Moken sea gypsies outside their homes in Phang Nga’s Surin Islands.
|
Sea gypsies set to get royal aid
The government is planning to hire sea gypsies, known as the Moken, to work in the Surin Islands National Marine Park in Phang Nga province.
Published on March 28, 2008
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin said her office had proceeded as instructed by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to develop a better quality of life for the Moken, who have lived in the Andaman area for more than 100 years and were affected by the 2004 tsunami. There are 224 Moken around the national marine park. The ministry and the Chaipattana Foundation have built a learning centre for the Moken way of life, improved infrastructure and provided vocational tools in Bon Yai Bay on Koh Surin Tai and Chong Khad on Koh Surin Neu, she said. A health centre will be built soon and a solar-power system installed, she said. The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department was also instructed to hire Moken as employees to provide accommodation to tourists. The ministry's Moken community-management plan has been submitted to Kitti Khanthamit, deputy director of the Office of HRH Princess's Project. The plan aims to improve quality of life, public health, vocational promotion, education and promotion of local wisdom, she said.
Daily Xpress
|
