Surin Islands

The Surin Islands (, ) is a continental archipelago of five islands in the Andaman Sea, from the Thai mainland.

Formation

Geological theories suggest that a subduction event during the Mesozoic era, involving the Burma and Sunda Plates, led to the formation of the numerous granite islands and undersea pinnacles along the west coast of Thailand. This process entailed the descending plate moving forward and being uplifted by the underlying plate. As a result, various geological structures, including pinnacles and outcroppings, were dislodged and amalgamated onto the ascending plate, eventually giving rise to small island chains and underwater seamounts. The predominant composition of these islands and seamounts is intrusive granitoids, a type of igneous rock. Over time, these base rocks have become encrusted with a thick layer of limestone, primarily composed of coral skeletons, with living corals continuing to grow on the outer surfaces.

Climate

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A hot season runs from mid-February to May. The rainy season is from mid-May to October, the rainiest month. The annual average rainfall is with average humidity of 71 percent and 104 rain days. Highest average wind speeds are observed in December with .

Moken people

thumb|A Moken boat. Note the bifurcated bow, in contrast to traditional Thai fishing boats.

The Surin Islands are home to a small community of the Moken or Morgan people (, 'sea gypsies'). The Moken population on the Surin Islands is estimated to be between 150 and 330 individuals.

The Moken belong to one of three distinct tribes living along the Andaman Coast of Myanmar and Thailand. These include the Moken of the Mergui Archipelago, the Moklen of Phang Nga Province, and the Urak Lawoi, who reside from Phuket Province down to Satun Province. These groups, having Austronesian origins, are known for their distinct languages (Moken, Moklen, Urak Lawoi'), culture, and lifestyle. They have a history of peaceful coexistence with their mainland neighbors. Traditionally, the Moken, particularly those in the Mergui Archipelago and along Thailand's North Andaman coast, led a nomadic life, spending much of their time on traditional houseboats known as kabang. This way of life allowed them to move from bay to bay, following the wind and weather patterns. The last kabang was reportedly built in 2006, with efforts to revive this traditional practice emerging around 2018.

The Moken community, which does not have a written language, relies on oral tradition to preserve and pass down their cultural heritage and knowledge.

Within the Moken community, familial bonds are notably strong and reliable. Linguistically, the Moken language lacks terms for individual possession, which is reflective of their cultural emphasis on sharing and communal living.

The Moken traditionally do not adhere to any formalized religion. Their practices include ancestor worship, which is evident in their funeral customs. In accordance with their traditions, deceased family members are buried beneath the family's house, accompanied by sea shells and other offerings as part of their ritualistic practices. The Moken possess a profound understanding of and respect for their natural environment and resources. Historically, they engaged in a subsistence lifestyle as hunter-gatherers, relying on the trade of shells, sea cucumbers, and fish in exchange for rice and other essentials. They have demonstrated extensive knowledge of local flora, utilizing 83 plant species for food, 33 for medicinal purposes, 53 for the construction of huts, boats, and tools, and 54 species for various other uses. Covering an area of approximately 88,282 rais ~,

Reptilian fauna includes seven species, among them Asian water monitors, Clouded monitors, skinks, reticulated pythons, and the Surin bent-toed gecko, a species endemic to the area.
Sea turtles still nest on the Surin islands, with two species coming ashore to lay their eggs, critically endangered hawksbill and green turtles. In the early-1990s some rare olive ridley turtles were spotted.

BirdLife International has designated Mu Ko Surin National Park as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This designation is due to the park's support of several bird species of conservation concern. These include the near-threatened Nicobar pigeon and Beach stone-curlew, the vulnerable Large green pigeon, and various nationally threatened or near-threatened species in Thailand, such as the Green imperial pigeon, Pied imperial pigeon, and Orange-breasted green pigeon.

Recreational diving

thumb|<span style="font-size:50%">✱</span> Richelieu Rock in the lower right corner of the map

More than 260 species of reef fish, 68 species of coral, 48 species of nudibranch, and 31 species of shrimp were recorded in the national park. are rare, February to April is the best time to spot them.

Forewarned by this knowledge, the entire Moken population on these islands was able to move to higher ground for safety.

List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand

Formation

Climate

Moken people

Recreational diving

References

External links