The governor of Phattalung has mounted a campaign to protect the indigenous Sakai tribe which faces threats from urbanisation and exploitation in the province.
Phattalung governor Winai Buapradit said yesterday he has ordered authorities at the provincial cultural office to set up a programme to help protect the way of life of the Sakai, a tribal minority of southern Thailand.
A Sakai family from a tribal minority in southern Thailand search for food in the forest. Provincial authorities in Phatthalung are trying to preserve the group’s cultural identity. ASSAWIN PAKKAWAN
"We need to protect our indigenous people and help them maintain a traditional way of life," Mr Winai said, adding they are vulnerable to exploitation.
The governor said he has asked authorities to draw up a plan to focus on restoration of the Sakai's identity, traditional way of life and culture.
Phattalung is home to about 200 Sakai people who live in Tamot and Kong Ra districts.
They have managed to preserve their way of life and traditions including hunting and searching the forest for products such as herbs for consumption and sale.
However, a source said some members of the Sakai leave the forest and head to towns to mingle with local people, and some fail to return home after they develop alcohol addictions.
Deforestation and construction of roads and public utilities close to where the Sakai live are given as the main reasons why the identity and way of life of this tribal group are slowly starting to fade.
There are two main Sakai tribes in Phattalung.
One dwells along the Buntad mountain range, an area between the Tha Chang waterfall in tambon Tamot, Tamot district, and Nokram waterfall in tambon Khlongsaikhaew, Kong Ra district.
Another tribe resides in Moo 7, tambon Tungnaree, Pa Bon district.
