The price of progress: how tourism reshapes a seafaring identity

Nature · Published 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For the Urak Lawoi people of Koh Lipe, the Andaman Sea is not just a resource; it is the foundation of their language, beliefs, and family history. Now, the pressures of mass tourism and a warming climate are forcing a centuries-old maritime culture to adapt to a modern, globalized economy.

The Urak Lawoi people have historically defined their existence through a symbiotic relationship with the Andaman Sea. Their cultural framework—encompassing navigation, fishing techniques like Bubu diving, and specific spiritual ceremonies—is rooted in generations of maritime knowledge. This heritage is currently being tested by three simultaneous pressures: the environmental degradation caused by marine pollution, the physical changes to the island of Koh Lipe due to mass tourism, and the broader ecological impact of warming seas. The transition is best illustrated through the lives of three generations of the same family: Kiang, his father Suoi, and his son Man-U. Their narrative highlights a complex paradox of modern development. While tourism provides the essential income necessary for survival in a changing economy, it simultaneously complicates the preservation of their distinct cultural identity.

The community must navigate a path where economic participation in a global destination threatens the very traditions that make their culture unique. This shift mirrors a broader national trend in Thailand. Since the 1960s, more than four-fifths of villagers in both genders have migrated to urban centers for work, leading to a significant expansion of the middle and working classes. This urbanization has been fueled by government programs in the 1970s and 1980s that brought electricity and electronics to rural areas. While these advancements have improved housing, healthcare, and per capita income, they have also led to a decline in community life participation and a shift toward urban-based entertainment, further distancing rural populations from traditional local customs.

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