At 9:30am, Ms Sabida opened the ‘15th Sea Gypsy Reunion’ at the Laem Tukkae sea gypsy community in Ratsada, under the theme ‘Sea Gypsy Stands with Ethnic Laws’. Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn, government agencies and sea gypsy networks welcomed the event.
This year’s gathering marks the first reunion since the ‘Ethnic Groups’ Ways of Life Protection and Promotion Act’ came into effect. The law formally protects the culture, traditions and basic rights of the Moken, Moklen and Urak Lawoi peoples, following more than a decade of advocacy.
Sea gypsy performers from Laem Tukkae opened the ceremony with a Rong Ngen performance. The programme included policy presentations on ethnic rights, a lecture by the National Human Rights Commission on ‘The Rights of the Sea Gypsies’, demonstrations of local wisdom, community product displays and a knowledge-sharing session titled ‘Shaping the Path to Eliminating Inequality with the Hopes of the Ethnic Groups Protection and Promotion Act’.
Traditional games, cultural displays and activities celebrating sea gypsy heritage also featured. The annual reunion, held under a 2010 Cabinet resolution, runs from Nov 21-22 and serves as a platform for representatives from the three ethnic groups and civil society partners to set priorities for sustaining traditional livelihoods under the new law.
An official report of the event marked that the initiative supports long-term improvements in economic, social and cultural wellbeing while strengthening Phuket’s multicultural identity.
Later at 1:30pm, the minister opened the ‘34th Educational Relations Event’ at Mukarrom Mosque in Bang Tao. The event was hosted with the Phuket Provincial Islamic Committee, local leaders and residents.
Ms Sabida emphasised the government’s policy of ‘Cultural Power Generates Real Income’, noting that cultural capital, local knowledge and youth development are central to building resilient communities.
Phuket Islamic Committee Chairman Komon Dumlak said the long-running outreach programme remains an important forum for mosques and communities to support youth development and preserve cultural identity.
The Nov 21-22 event includes an exhibition on Islamic education, youth performances, a multicultural dialogue, and stalls showcasing local Bang Tao products and food.
Organisers aim to position Mukarrom Mosque and the Bang Tao community as a model for integrating education, religion and culture in Phuket, another official report noted.