Mokan (ethnic sea gypsy) project

A community of ethnic Mokens, the sea gypsies of the Andaman, on Koh Lao, an island located near Ranong. As sea nomads, the Moken have never owned land. Though most Moken villagers were born on Thai soil, they still do not have the official identification documents required for employment, attendance in schools, or any rights of citizenship. They have lived without fresh water, electricity, toilets, or schools. HDF now operates day care, nutrition, and education projects in this community.