Native people Urak Lawoi

รายละเอียด

The Urak Lawoi, commonly known as "sea people," are an indigenous ethnic group with a deep connection to the sea. The term "Urak Lawoi" comes from Malay, where "Urak" means "people" and "Lawoi" means "sea," thus "Urak Lawoi" translates to "sea people."
The Urak Lawoi originated from the Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia, migrating to these regions long before the arrival of the Malay and Siamese people. Their way of life has always been closely tied to the sea. They live in simple homes and make a living primarily through fishing, using natural resources sustainably and applying traditional knowledge to preserve the balance of their environment.
Over time, the Urak Lawoi have settled in several areas, including Satun, Krabi, and Phuket. One significant cultural practice is the "Boat Floating Ceremony," during which they send off the spirits of their ancestors back to "Khunung Cherai," the believed ancestral homeland.
Koh Lipe in Satun Province is a key settlement for the Urak Lawoi, and it was here, over 150 years ago, that they and the Siamese jointly declared Koh Lipe as part of the Kingdom of Siam during the colonial period. This historical declaration continues to affirm the island's place within Thailand today.
Although Koh Lipe has developed into a popular tourist destination with growing commerce, the Urak Lawoi still maintain their traditional way of life and their fishing practices. Efforts to preserve their culture and lifestyle are supported by various initiatives, including research and conservation projects from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in collaboration with the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. These efforts focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Today, the Urak Lawoi continue to live in harmony with the sea and nature, maintaining their cultural heritage and striving for a sustainable future.