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“Moklen Cultural Protected Area” in National Geographic Thailand
athikhom saengchai
Jul 10, 2024
This photo essay introduces you to the world of the Moklens, an ethnic group scattered along the Andaman Coast in southwestern Thailand. The story is based on the concept of "Cultural Protected Area," a new preservation approach that does not separate people and culture from nature.
The narrative unfolds in Ban Bang Sak, the first Moklen Cultural Protected Area in Phang-nga. It sheds light on its undocumented history and how the community uses traditional knowledge to thrive in today's world and preserves its vanishing language and culture. It also delves into future challenges, such as developing young Moklen leaders, resolving land disputes, and addressing the impact of climate change.
This story is part of my ongoing project since 2021 to document the Moklen language and culture in collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers in Thailand.
View on ngthai.com ↗
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