The visit took place at Ban Laem La in Mai Khao. Accompanied by top ministry officials including Permanent Secretary Anukul Peedkaew, the minister met with members of the local Moken community under the ‘Empowering Sea Gypsies for Sustainable Happiness’ project. The delegation was received by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai and other local and provincial leaders.
Speaking to community members, Mr Varawut emphasised that all people living in Thailand deserve equal care and protection, regardless of ethnicity.
“Today is a celebration of the Chao Lay way of life,” he said, using the Thai term for sea gypsies. “We are here not only to show our support but to deliver essential items and listen to the needs of the community.”
He also acknowledged the work of local volunteers and community leaders who continue to support the well-being of these marginalised groups.
Phuket, a global tourist destination, is home to a multicultural population that includes ethnic sea gypsies such as the Urak Lawoi and Moken. While these communities have maintained their traditions, they face growing challenges, including modern development pressures, loss of access to traditional fishing grounds, and limited educational and welfare opportunities.
Many sea gypsies, who traditionally worked as fishermen, have had to adapt due to environmental degradation, urban expansion and restricted fishing zones. Despite these changes, cultural practices such as the Urak Lawoi’s boat-floating ritual, the Moken’s beach-sleeping tradition and the Rong Ngen dance performance are still preserved.
Residents of Baan Laem La and nearby Baan Hin Luk Diao ‒ communities linked by shared history, language and spiritual traditions ‒ continue to honour ancestral ceremonies like ‘Non Hat’, which reinforces their social cohesion. The Moken people, descendants of sea dwellers from Koh Lanta in Krabi Province, have lived in the area for more than 150 years.
According to local data, Baan Laem La is home to 440 people across 145 households, while Baan Hin Luk Diao has 211 residents from 70 families. Both communities face ongoing land rights disputes, particularly in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, which led to land ownership being transferred to the Crown Property Bureau, forcing many to rent and struggle with access to utilities.
In his remarks, Mr Samawit expressed gratitude to the ministry for recognising the importance of ensuring that ethnic groups like the sea gypsies are not “left behind”.
“We hope these efforts will help build understanding, ensure access to state welfare, and improve their overall quality of life,” he said.