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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |