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Seakayaking in Thailand - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Khao Sok and South Thailand : Original Sea Kayak Tour Operator Since 1989

Sakai

The Sakai is one of the jungle tribes that is slowly becoming extinct. Most of the Sakai live in the deep jungle on the border between the Phatthalung, Trang, and Satun provinces, in the southern region of Thailand.

SAkai family TUB - perfect accommodation Mom and son

Living

Poison Dart Method of hunting The example result

Hunting wildlife is the main task for their survival in the jungle. A cyclindrical mouthpiece made from bamboo stems and poison darts are the men's weapon for hunting. Meals are unscheduled. They eat when they are hungry and survive on foodstuff until they get it. They eat a root plant that is similar to a potato.

Accommodation

The Sakai live in the easily hand-made shelters called "Tub." Tub are made from palm leaves for structuring and are covered with banana leaves. The shape looks like a hut without room space or a pillar. There is just enough space under the roof for sleeping, cooking, and a fireplace, which is ignited all the time since they are afraid of the darkness. The shelters will be abandoned after a lack of food supply, or when they make the decision that their life is no longer safe there.

Inside TUB Palm Leaf for structuring Banana leaf covered

Main reason that they have to evacuate:
1. Lack of food supply
2. Death of someone in the tribe
3.The strange behavior of the Sakai during the evacuation: They initially use the toilet in a location far away from the Tub. However, they will eventually move closer and closer to their home over a period of a month. Once they reach the point nearest to the Tub, they will move. Because the Sakai is an itinerant tribe, we cannot specify where they are.
Clothes

One man and One Piece

40 to 50 years ago, the Sakai used only one piece of red cloth to cover their body. Now they have adapted, and wear more modern clothing, like t-shirts.

Language

Some of the Sakai can speak the southern local Thai language, but most cannot write because they are not educated. Their accent sounds similar to the Sea Gypsy or Malaysian language. The government has tried education programs, but the Sakai cannot accept the rules and behaviour adaptation.

Sea Canoe take you to visit them Cool boy Author and Sakai