New Engine for the Koh Lao School Boat

For the Moken children living in the village on Koh Lao, there are only two ways to reach the Thai school on the other side of the island: a grueling and sometimes dangerous 45 – minute trek through the jungle, or a 10 – minute trip by school boat. Naturally, the boat is the lifeline for the children — and also for the teachers who travel every day from Ranong city to the island. But the old school boat, over 20 years in service, had become unreliable. It leaked constantly, and its engine was not only costly to repair but frequently failed, sometimes leaving the boat stranded and needing to be towed by local fishing boats. During the monsoon season, this posed serious risks. A solution came thanks to the generosity of Captain Robert Gibb, an Airbus A380 pilot with Qantas and a longtime friend of MRF. His donation made it possible to buy and install a new engine. Last week, the school celebrated this milestone. School principal Mr. Ekarrat Kongyos expressed his delight, saying he was amazed at how smooth, quiet, and powerful the new engine is. He shared his gratitude on behalf of the children and teachers, who can now travel safely and reliably. He also asked us to extend a heartfelt thank – you to Captain Rob for making this possible .