Last Hunter-Gatherers in Thailand Demand Land Rights for Survival

Deep in the forests of southern Thailand, the Maniq people, recognized as the country’s last hunter-gatherers, are advocating for land rights to preserve their traditional lifestyle. With only around 415 members remaining, according to the Indigenous Peoples’ Foundation for Education and Environment, the Maniq face significant challenges as they navigate the pressures of modern life while striving to maintain their cultural identity.

The Maniq have relied on hunting and gathering for centuries, with young men like Dan Rakpabon, 18, continuing the age-old practice of using blowpipes to catch monkeys. However, the advent of modernity has led many to abandon their nomadic ways in exchange for access to education and healthcare. As a result, the community has shifted toward more settled living arrangements, such as the bamboo shelters known as thap in Pa Bon, located in Phattalung province.

Despite the satisfaction derived from traditional hunting, the activity has become illegal due to wildlife protection laws in conservation zones. This situation reflects a broader global issue faced by Indigenous peoples, who often find their traditional practices at odds with conservation efforts. Chutiphong Phonwat, head of the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary, acknowledged that the Maniq do not harm the forest, stating, “We are not concerned about the Maniq’s traditional way of life.”

Struggles Between Tradition and Modernity

For generations, the Maniq, part of the wider Negrito ethnic lineage, roamed the rainforests of the Malay Peninsula. The transition to a more settled lifestyle has brought both opportunities and obstacles. Many men now work on rubber plantations for wages ranging from $3 to $8 a day, while women create pandanus leaf bags for sale. Children often live in nearby villages during the week to attend school, a significant change from their ancestors’ way of life.

The emotional impact of education is profound for families. Jeab Rakpabon, a mother and weaver, expressed pride when her child recently learned to write their name. She remarked, “Just hearing that made me proud.” Yet, as the community adapts, hunting has become less frequent and is no longer a primary food source. Tom Rakpabon, community leader, noted, “Now we have to buy rice, meat and vegetables from the market,” illustrating the struggle to balance old traditions with modern necessities.

Demand for Land Rights

The Maniq now seek ownership rights to the land they have inhabited for generations. Despite Thai law designating their territory as a conservation zone, the community desires secure land tenure to ensure a sustainable future. Jeab Rakpabon emphasized the need for proper houses and land for agricultural use, stating, “Leaf shelters like this are only temporary.”

Under existing Thai regulations, Indigenous communities can apply for 20-year usage permits on protected land; however, this does not confer ownership. Critics argue that this approach reduces the Maniq to temporary occupants of their ancestral lands, lacking the security to thrive. One Maniq community has established itself in Plai Khlong Tong, Trang province, for over 30 years, yet even their efforts to cultivate rubber and build homes remain precarious. Local leader Sakda Paksi articulated the need for land rights, stating, “If the Maniq had land, we could stand on our own feet.”

Life without title deeds has led to hardship for some, with reports of individuals resorting to begging for food in areas like Satun province. Jin Sri Thung Wa, a local leader, noted that the community often travels several kilometers to ask for help, illustrating the dire circumstances many face.

Discrimination against the Maniq adds another layer of complexity to their struggle. A Thai passerby remarked that the Maniq reminded him of a derogatory term for the minority, highlighting the pervasive stigma associated with their identity. Yet, community leaders like Tao Khai assert their dignity, stating, “We are people who live in the forest.”

New Legislative Changes and Future Prospects

In September 2023, a new Thai law introduced “protected ethnic areas” for Indigenous groups, aiming to create a more flexible regulatory framework. Apinan Thammasena, an anthropologist, explained that while the Maniq will not receive land ownership, they will obtain rights to use the land in accordance with their traditional practices. This development has sparked hope within the community, although concerns remain. MP Laofang Bundidterdsakul, who contributed to drafting the bill, acknowledged that existing environmental restrictions could limit the law’s effectiveness.

Despite ongoing challenges, the Maniq remain resilient. Children like Duan Srimanang, 13, are attending school, learning to read and write, and expressing aspirations for a better future. “When I grow up, I want to have a job and earn money so I can take care of my mother and make her comfortable and happy,” she shared.

As the Maniq navigate the complexities of modern existence while holding onto their traditions, their fight for land rights symbolizes a broader struggle faced by Indigenous communities worldwide. Their determination to secure a home where they can thrive and preserve their cultural identity remains at the forefront of their fight for justice and recognition.