Silance form the Deep Sea
State-driven megaprojects like the Land Bridge frequently prioritize economic gains over human and environmental costs. This project directly threatens the Moken people on Koh Phayam, an indigenous community deeply connected to the Andaman Sea, yet they remain entirely excluded from the government's stakeholder processes.
Already traumatized and displaced by the tsunami, the Moken are fighting to protect their final sanctuary. Their goal is to preserve their cultural identity and harmonious relationship with nature—a profound bond reflected in their shared surname, "Talayluek" (Deep Sea).
During a brief documentary photography assignment, the author joined Moken fishermen, Jae and Ern. Despite a meager catch due to calm waters, the fishermen remained resilient and at peace with nature's unpredictable rhythms, even graciously comforting the disappointed photographer. Ultimately, this poignant encounter reinforced the author's belief that the voices of marginalized people in conflict zones hold immense power, provided society is willing to truly listen.
























