Moken

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Scope note
The Moken are an Austronesian-speaking people who inhabit the Mergui Archipelago and Surin Islands in the border region between Myanmar and Thailand, traditionally maintaining a semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle centered on maritime activities. The Moken share a distinct cultural identity and language, having largely resisted assimilation efforts by both Myanmar and Thailand. However, the group faces significant challenges including population decline and marginalization due to their nomadic lifestyle, unsettled legal status, and conflicts with modern property laws, immigration policies, maritime conservation programs, and border restrictions.
Moken
Accepted term: 09-Mar-2026