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Conceptualizing & Protecting Cultural Areas in Thailand: The Case of Chao Lay Sea Nomads

Explore the marginalization and challenges faced by indigenous sea nomads in Thailand and the efforts to protect their cultural areas. This study examines the economic development of the region, land ownership issues, and the creation of a network of indigenous peoples.

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Conceptualizing & Protecting Cultural Areas in Thailand: The Case of Chao Lay Sea Nomads

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  1. Narumon Arunotai and TeamResearch Group on Cultural Dynamics and EthnicityResearch Unit on Indigenous Peoples and Alternative DevelopmentSocial Research Institute Chulalongkorn University An exploration into the conceptualization and materialization of (living) cultural protected areas in Thailand : The Case of Chao Lay/Sea Nomads

  2. Main idea • Indigenous and local communities that have not been entirely integrated into mainstream economy and consumerist society are losing physical, cultural and spiritual grounds. • The sea nomads --not known among the Thai public until after the tsunami. • For the local Thai, they were known as Chao Lay or Thai Mai (New Thai) as the term Chao Lay (people of the sea) has become derogatory in many places.

  3. Moken 5 communities about 1,000 Moklen over 20 communities about 4,000 Urak Lawoi 16 communities about 7,000 100 Moken

  4. The Moken and the tsunami

  5. Indigenous knowledgeDevalued? Revalued? • https://www.unisdr.org/files/3646_IndigenousKnowledgeDRR.pdf

  6. Similar plight of indigenous peoples in several places – rural areas being occupied • Several Chao Lay or indigenous sea people communities in southwestern Thailand that made the news headlines due to conflicts with tourism businesses and industries reflected marginalization in the modern age.

  7. The Moken, the Moklen and the UrakLawoi

  8. The economic development of Andaman Coast and Islands • Tin mining • Coconut and pararubber plantation • Tourist destinations - Hotels and resorts • Foreign investment and private ownership to boost national economy

  9. Response?Retaliation?Weapons of the weak?

  10. The lack of land ownership papers/land title deeds • Concept of settlement/“ownership” - The Chao Lay traditionally do not claim ownership of the land. • Non-literate society -land titles and other laws are based on literacy and official documents. • Ethnocentrism - plight and rights of the Chao Lay have been overlooked.

  11. Creatingandjoining network of sea nomads, network of indigenous peoples in Thailand

  12. Poster on the theme for Thailand “World IP day” to be celebrated in Chiang Mai on August 9, 2016 “Land – spiritual space, securing IP way of life”

  13. Ministry of culture-cabinet resolution • Minister of Culture became interested about ethnic groups – mainly Chao Lay /because of their traditional marine livelihood and plight (2009), several committee have been set up, network of Chao Lay has been formed • 2010 cabinet resolution on the “Revitalization of Chao Lay Culture” “Revitalization of Karen Culture” /committee set up • Holistic – nationality, land security, marine livelihood, education, health (in relations to diving), culture

  14. Cabinet resolution resulted from : • political will • lively cooperation between a network of communities, academic institutes, public organizations, and civil society/non -profit organizations • relevant and up-to-date information • AND ACTION on preparing the data for policy move

  15. Weak points • Several committees have been set up • Committee to Solve the Problems of Land for Living Security, Livelihood Security, and Spiritual Security of Chao Lay Communities • Frequent changes in the Thai political scenery affects their status and work • Cabinet resolution is not as “authoritative” as laws/acts that each ministry hold, so the resolution is not totally materialized • More effort, with more stakeholders, looking for ways to come up with “higher level” “more authoritative” measures

  16. Draft Act of Promotion and Conservation of Ethnic Groups’ Ways of Life • (ร่างพระราชบัญญัติส่งเสริมและอนุรักษ์วิถีชีวิตกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์) • Scope and meaning of ethnic groups • Rights of ethnic groups • State obligations in protecting rights of ethnic groups • Promotion and Conservation of Ethnic Groups’ Ways of Life (data and history, designating areas, preparing community title deeds, drafting charter for CPA) • Committee and assemblyon CPA • Revoking overlapped areas (state-owned) • CPA fund

  17. Thailand going through a “reform” period • Commissioner on Social Aspects of National Reform requested the involvement of representatives from academia and civil society to contribute to “Recommendations for National Reform to Promote the Strengthening of Ethnic Communities: The Case of Chao Lay Communities.” • 1) to speed up the implementation of the 2010 cabinet resolution by constituting new committees • 2) to mobilize the development of “special cultural zone” as stated in the cabinet resolution • 3) to review and implement a “Master Plan for Ethnic Groups in Thailand” (2015–2017) proposed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Master plan on ethnic groups • positive and progressive policy for the protection of cultural rights and enhancing the peoples’ quality of life • Low political will/ reprioritization

  18. Thailand going through a “reform” period • Recommendations endorsed by the National Reform Steering Assembly on July 12, 2016, • One of 38 reform issues that the government agreed to enact

  19. Threats • New forms of marine tourism --yachting and luxury cruises may position Thailand as a “Marina Hub of ASEAN”

  20. Implication for more marginalized group?

  21. Fruit and local product fair in Yala, 2008 • www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=110288

  22. Organizing a wedding to promote tourism – Yala provinceSeptember 2009 www.meiq3.com/pages/content/MEIQHilightNewsDe...

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