Urak Lawoiʼ

Who are the Urak Lawoiʼ?

The Urak Lawoiʼ are an aboriginal Austronesian people who have long lived on the islands off the western coast of southern Thailand. Their communities are found on Phuket, Phi Phi, Jum, Lanta, Bulon, Lipe, and Adang. They are closely connected by their shared language, kinship, and seafaring traditions. The Urak Lawoiʼ are sometimes called 'Sea Gypsies' in Thai, a term used for several island-dwelling groups. Their identity is shaped by their maritime skills, rituals, and strong ties to their ancestral lands and waters.

Where do the Urak Lawoiʼ live?

Urak Lawoiʼ communities are based on several islands in the Andaman Sea, including Phuket, Phi Phi, Jum, Lanta, Bulon, Lipe, and Adang, which form part of the Adang Archipelago. These islands are known for their tropical climate, rich marine life, and proximity to the Thai mainland. The sea and coastal environment are central to Urak Lawoiʼ life, providing both livelihood and cultural meaning.

What language do the Urak Lawoiʼ speak?

The Urak Lawoiʼ speak their own language, which is closely related to Malay but has been influenced by Thai. Many also speak Malay and Thai. Their language is part of the Austronesian family. It remains in daily use within their communities, though outside pressures and schooling in Thai may affect its future vitality.

How do the Urak Lawoiʼ live?

Traditionally, the Urak Lawoiʼ make their living from the sea, mainly through fishing. Their skills in boat-building and navigation are well known. Houses are typically built on stilts near the shore. The opening of national parks and the growth of tourism have changed their access to fishing grounds and land, making traditional livelihoods harder to sustain.

How is Urak Lawoiʼ society organised?

Urak Lawoiʼ society is organized around extended families and kinship networks. Decisions are often made collectively, and elders play an important role in guiding community affairs. Marriage and descent are based on local customs, and social ties are strengthened through shared rituals and daily cooperation.

What do the Urak Lawoiʼ believe?

The Urak Lawoiʼ follow a mix of traditional beliefs, Theravada Buddhism, and Islam. One important ritual is the Ari Pajak ceremony, where a boat carrying ancestral spirits is set adrift towards Gunung Jerai in Kedah. Ancestors are associated with animals, such as birds and sharks. Rituals, music, and oral traditions remain important in marking community identity.

The history of the Urak Lawoiʼ

The Urak Lawoiʼ have lived in the Andaman Sea region for generations, with a history as skilled seafarers and fishers. Their rituals and oral traditions connect them to the wider Austronesian world. In recent decades, the creation of marine parks and the expansion of tourism have led to loss of land and restricted access to traditional fishing areas. Many families have lost legal title to their land, especially on Ko Lipe, leading to conflict with developers.

Urak Lawoiʼ life today

Today, the Urak Lawoiʼ number about 6,000. Many face challenges from land loss, legal disputes, and the pressures of tourism. On Ko Lipe, half the community has lost legal land title, resulting in conflict with resort operators. Despite these pressures, the Urak Lawoiʼ continue to maintain their language, rituals, and community life, though their future remains uncertain.

Questions people ask about the Urak Lawoiʼ

Sources and further reading

• Urak Lawoi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Urak Lawoiʼ themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.