Research & Article

In an article in the Journal of the Siam Society (Vol. 74, 1986) Mr. Ivanoff maintained that the Sea People of Sireh Island and Rawai, in Phuket province, and points further south, are the outcome of inter- marriage between Moken and Malays. This article seeks to refute that assertion, advancing sociological, historical, geographical and linguis- tic evidence that the Urak Lawoi' people, as they know themselves, have origins independant of the Moken. It is suggested that they are essentially of Malay stock but have been distinct from the mainstream Malay population for a considerable period of time-probably sev- eral centuries. Their language and customs have been influenced by their Thai environment. Interaction with the Moken people has been subsequent to their establishing a distinct identity.