As "Children of the Sea," Moken Sea Gypsy children and their parents face the challenge of transitioning from their traditional nomadic lifestyle to modern Thai society. This shift requires education, proficiency in Thai, new life skills, adapting to structured work hours, and job competition.
Our mission is to support preschool-aged Moken children on Koh Lao and surrounding islands, providing them with essential Thai language skills to prepare for Thai primary schools. For those seeking further education, we offer a safe home base on the mainland for Moken and other vulnerable Thai children to attend primary, secondary, and vocational schools.
In our home, we prioritise creating a nurturing and safe environment, ensuring adequate housing, clothing, nutritious food, transportation, and care. We also help them and their parents obtain Thai identification, easing their integration into Thai society while respecting and preserving their Moken identity, language, and heritage
The Mercy Ranong Foundation (MRF) is a registered Thai foundation in Ranong Thailand, established to support the mostly stateless Moken children of Koh Lao Island in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Founded by volunteers from Australia and Thailand, our board comprises Thai citizens and representatives from the Moken community, ensuring that our programs are culturally relevant and community driven.
Our work continues the compassionate efforts of Father Joseph Mayer, Sister Maria Chantavarodom, and the Mercy Centre in Bangkok, who have supported the Moken community for over 15 years. In May 2024, recognizing the need to re-focus resources on their primary mission in Bangkok, Mercy Centre entrusted MRF with the responsibility of supporting the Moken children on Koh Lao Island.
Many challenges persist in the lives of the Moken people. Life expectancy remains low, infant mortality rates remain distressingly high, and the traditional Moken way of life stands at a critical juncture. This community being small in numbers, often goes unnoticed by government and other humanitarian organizations.
Many Moken find themselves in a state of transition, with adults deeply rooted in their ancestral customs and sceptical of the value of education. It is imperative that we convey to these villagers that the education of their children is the path to break the cycle of poverty. The old ways, which once sustained them, are no longer viable as their traditional nomadic lifestyle has been restricted ad numerous families still lack official state recognition.
To address these pressing issues, the Moken community requires essential resources, robust support networks and dedicated advocacy efforts – resources that can only be provided through external assistance.
That is why they need our help
You can help us make a difference for these children. Should you wish to make a donation, you can do so directly to our Thai bank account or for Australian residents through Mercy Centre Australia, a registered Australian charity dedicated to supporting our cause.
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