Urak Lawoi

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Urak Lawoi
Total population

3,000

Regions with significant populations
Southern Thailand
Languages
Urak Lawoi, Malay
Religion
Traditional religion, Theravada Buddhism, Christianity

Urak Lawoi are an ethnic group residing on the islands of Phuket, Phi Phi, Jum, Lanta, Bulon and on Lipe and Adang, in the Adang Archipelago [1], off the western coast of Thailand. They are known by various names, including Orak Lawoi', Lawta, Chaw Talay, Chawnam, and Lawoi.

The population of approximately 6000 speak a language closely related to Malay influenced by but unrelated to Thai. [2] The Urak Lawoi are one of several southeast Asian ethnicities referred to as "sea gypsies" (chao leh in Thai). [3] The local way of life has been changing rapidly in recent years, due to the rapid encroachment of the market economy, and the opening of Tarutao National Marine Park. [4]

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