Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Mu Koh Surin National Park has fiercely denied sensational claims that Moken children are being used for tourism. This follows Siranudh “Psi” Scott's viral Facebook post accusing park officers and local tour operators of exploiting children from the Moken community to entertain visitors.

 

Park Chief Kriangkrai Phaocharoen promptly dismissed these allegations. On Sunday, he clarified that only adults are employed by the park, earning between 200-250 Thai Baht daily for a five-hour shift, complete with meals. Children observed alongside these workers were simply accompanying family members, not employed to work, according to the official statement.

 

As for claims that Moken boys were coerced into posing shirtless with female tourists, Kriangkrai emphatically denied this too. He explained that any shirtlessness seen is simply part of the local lifestyle, without any sinister or exploitative motives behind it.

 

Conservationist Siranudh’s original post also described the Moken’s living circumstances as dire, suggesting a persistent lack of education and rampant child labour. Contrary to these assertions, park representatives highlighted advancements in the island's infrastructure, pointing out that the Moken community now resides in a more permanent settlement with established education and healthcare services available to them.

 

The park’s firm rebuttal aimed to reassure both local residents and potential tourists that the allegations made against its operations with the Moken community are entirely unsubstantiated. The chief’s statement seeks to put minds at ease, maintaining that the welfare and dignity of the Moken people are priorities.

 

Despite the park's reassurances, this debate underscores the growing tensions and concerns over indigenous communities and tourism activities. It highlights the broader challenge of balancing tourism with cultural sensitivity and respect for local traditions.

 

In conclusion, while Siranudh’s allegations brought intense scrutiny to the park's employment of Moken individuals, the Mu Koh Surin National Park maintains its innocence, affirming that its practices are fair and respectful of all individuals involved.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-06

 

 

Beautiful islands, but this Moken village is just a human zoo. Children selling Chinese plastic trinkets, each shop the same. Intriguing story that of the Moken. Also sad.