Arguably, indigenous knowledge offers valuable insights and practices that can enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation. Integrating these practices with modern scientific methods can lead to more holistic, sustainable, and culturally appropriate solutions to the climate crisis. However, Indigenous knowledge is also on the edge of change.
Moken village on Surin Island (Photo by: Kwanchit Sasiwongsaroj)
The Moken’s way of life is intimately connected to their constant mobility across coastal waters and islands, allowing them to navigate changes in the marine environment while maintaining a sustainable relationship with nature. According to the existing literature, historically, the Moken were considered a semi-nomadic group, migrating periodically across the Andaman Sea in small boats to acquire seasonal marine resources. They relied on hunting, fishing, foraging, and sea-based resources for sustenance and built temporary shelters that could be easily disassembled and relocated to escape the challenges during the monsoon season. Since the second half of the past century, several factors have affected their way of life, not only by environmental changes but also by broader social, economic, and historical forces, including the impacts of domestic colonialism. What is the contemporary lifestyle of the Moken on Surin Island, where they continue to navigate the complex balance between tradition and modernity?
Based on our field research at Surin Island (Aou Bon Yai) at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, it is evident that the Moken way of life has gradually shifted towards a sedentary lifestyle. The declaration of the national park has played a significant role in this change, which limits their mobility and access to natural resources. On the other side, the Thai government practically recognized their existence after the tsunami. Initiatives on integration into Thai society have been implemented since then.
We observed several aspects reflecting the Moken way of life, becoming more sedentary and permanently connected to the land. Their living patterns have changed from mobile habitation to fixed dwellings. They have lived at Aou Bon Yai year-round for an extended period of 20 years instead of rotating to live temporarily on the islands in the Andaman Sea. Therefore, the population in the Moken community is growing, with currently almost 100 households and over 400 inhabitants. Not only did the demarcation of the marine park confine their mobility, but also the opportunity for the younger generation to achieve a formal education made them stay in a fixed place of residence by choice. In addition, a public health center operates near their community, providing convenient treatment access. They interact more with outside communities and establish a more stable social organization. One of the Moken has been appointed as the assistant of the head of the village.
A Moken boatman on the way to Surin Island (Photo by: Kwanchit Sasiwongsaroj)
In the past the Moken divided the seasons into a dry and a monsoon season. Recently, the dry season has been replaced by the ‘tourist season’.
Their subsistence strategies rely not only on marine resources, but also on land-based resources. In their seafaring heyday, the Moken divided the seasons into a dry and a monsoon season. Recently, the dry season has been replaced by the “tourist season.” For half a year, their livelihood depends on tourism, working as wagers in the tourism industry, and selling souvenirs. However, despite these changes, a strong maritime tradition continues to play a significant role in their culture. They maintain sea foraging between Surin Island and surrounding coastal regions and rely on maritime skills to survive for another half a year while the marine park is closed during the monsoon season.
Within two decades, the current way of life of the Moken on the island of Surin has changed to a more sedentary existence. While their traditional connection to the sea remains intact, the Moken’s adaptation to modern realities and government policies has led them to establish more permanent settlements. Their evolving way of life highlights the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the demands of the modern world.
Moken village on Surin Island during the “tourist season” (Photo by: Kwanchit Sasiwongsaroj)
