Action Beaches » Koh Surin Thai Beach

KOH SUDN NUA: Sea gypsies
Thailand
On the northern half of Koh Surin Tai Beach in Thailand’s Miu Koh Surin Marine Na­tional Park, lives a community of fishing people known as the Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies. Where they come from is still a mystery they may have migrated from as far away as the Philippines, Indonesia, or Peninsular Malaysia.

The Chao Ley have retained their an­cient culture and unique language. The boys and fit men spend most of their lives on their boats, by fishing and collecting shells for sale to tour­ists. Only during the bad weather of the monsoon sea­son do they spend any length of time on land.

During the period around the full moon in March, the Chao Ley launch a flamboy­antly decorated miniature boat from the beach. The fate of the boat decides the community’s fortunes; if it returns to shore the tribe will move to settle in a new location.

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