Thailand's displaced sea gypsies

[Boycie]

 

[godblessemall]

Disgusting how they have been treated by both government and locals. Not even allowed to catch fish.... how ridiculous.

[dotpoom]

What's new.....big corporations stomping on the little people.

[Spock]

Prior to a clampdown this century, the kids on Rawai were preyed upon by foreign pedophiles in the 90's, one of whom was jailed for about 40 years. I imagine the gypsies were taken advantage of by just about everybody, given their peripheral societal status, education and lack of political or judicial clout. That developers can just push them off their land and block their access to it is an absolute disgrace. Nor does it say much for the provincial governments, the courts, police or Thai people who turn a blind eye to the dismantling of this sea-based ethnic group. Unforgivable what has been done to these people.   

[captnhoy]

Unforgivable indeed. Why are they not recognized as a downtrodden legitimate segment of Thailand? Only poor rice farmers count (just a little bit)? I am not sure of the status today but as late as 2009 or 2010 there was still a village on the west side of Koh Payam off the coast of Ranong. By contrast, India has done a wonderful job of protecting their indigenous people in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The government requires a written itinerary from visiting vessels and forbids access to many areas.

[DSJPC]

DESPICABLE!!!