Moken, Salon in Myanmar (Burma)

Introduction / History

The Moken people are to be found in Southern Myanmar and in Southern Thailand. They are nomadic on the sea which could make it difficult for the gospel message to be given to them.
The Moken have their own language, which is Austronesian, a language used in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The Moken in Thailand can speak Thai while the Moken in Burma can speak Burmese.
In Thailand the Moken are known as Chao Ley and can be called Selung in Burma. Some of the Moken are Buddhists while others follow traditional religions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Moken live off plant life from the sea as they are familiar with the sea. That which they do not eat they exchange for other things at markets. Some Burmese Moken have small wooden boats with a living room, bedroom and kitchen and they move about on the sea in these. Some of their traditional life is lessening though.
The Thai and Burmese governments have tried to get the Moken into the cultures of their countries, but it has proved difficult. The Moken live in the Surin Islands and the Phi Phi Islands.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Oral traditions in Moken culture: "An interesting feature of this people is their pure monotheism, the confession of one supreme being, whom they name Tooda, and recognize as the creator of all things. There is also among them a distinct tradition of the deluge."
"After the deluge, of which the Salongs preserve a distinct and unique tradition, God came down from heaven, and assigned to the different nations and tribes of men their habitations and employments. He said to the Salongs, "You are foolish and disobedient. You must not possess gold, silver, domestic animals, houses nor lands. Go, be poor, and hunt fish in water seven fathoms deep."
"The Salongs are a mild and timid race, are credulous and affectionate—and rarely quarrel, unless stimulated by intoxicating drinks. … They have many interesting traditions of a creation and universal deluge. They believe in future rewards and punishments in another state."

What Are Their Needs?

The Moken people need to find new ways to adapt to the cultures around them. They need better education for their children and reliable medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Thai and Burmese Christians will give the gospel message to the Moken leading them to salvation.
Pray that the nomadic Moken will have visitations from the Holy Spirit, drawing them to the King of kings.
Pray for the Moken to have hearts that are ready to embrace the King of kings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project