The event, held at the Laem Tukkae Village Hall last Sunday (Apr 26), brought together Urak Lawoi families from across Phuket in a colourful celebration of their shared heritage. The gathering highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to protect its cultural identity while promoting wider understanding of its traditions.
Village head Wirat Pramongkit presided over the opening ceremony, outlining the history of the Laem Tukkae community and the importance of maintaining unity among its people. He said the reunion was organised to foster closer relationships among descendants and to ensure that traditional customs are passed on to younger generations.
The Urak Lawoi are recognised as one of Phuket’s indigenous ethnic groups, with a long-standing connection to the sea. Historically reliant on fishing as their main livelihood, the community has maintained many of its customs despite rapid development across the island. Members were formally granted Thai surnames under a royal initiative, affirming their status as Thai citizens while recognising their distinct cultural heritage.
The ‘Family Reunion’ event featured a parade representing five sea gypsy communities, with participants dressed in brightly coloured traditional attire. The procession was accompanied by live traditional music, drawing interest from tourists and local media.
Stalls set up around the venue showcased local products and traditional foods, including handmade pearl and seashell jewellery, batik fabrics, fresh seafood and hand-ground curry pastes. Traditional desserts such as ‘Pom Pom’, also known locally as ‘Pok Ka Tu Yo’, proved especially popular among visitors.
Organisers said the strong turnout reflected the enduring bonds within the Urak Lawoi community and their shared commitment to safeguarding their cultural legacy.
They added that events such as the reunion not only reinforce unity within the community but also help raise awareness of the Urak Lawoi way of life among the wider public, ensuring that their traditions continue to be recognised and preserved for future generations.