The Urak Lawoi Pra Jak Boat Ceremony

The Urak Lawoi floating boat tradition, known as the Pra Jak boat ceremony, is a rare and ancient custom of the Urak Lawoi community. This unique event takes place on the full moon days of the 6th and 11th lunar months, bringing together the Urak Lawoi people for the Pra Jak Boat ceremony at the beach.

This ceremony serves as a mean to dispel misfortune and involves singing and dancing to the rhythmic melodies of the Rong Ngeng songs.

This cherished tradition has been handed down through generations, originating from the Urak Lawoi people's earliest ancestors. When the time for this event arrives, they return to their hometowns to celebrate alongside their families and fellow community members.

The day Before the boat parade:

In the morning, the men will begin to build a boat for the ceremony, they use the White Cheesewood tree and the Ra Gam tree because the wood is quite soft and easy to work with. Every year, a new boat is constructed, and it changes hands to different builders, creating an annual rotation. When constructing the boat, they begin with the keel, which is made from White Cheesewood tree, and work from the bow (front) to the stern (back) before moving on to the other components.

The women create sweetmeat in seven different colors and prepare a betel nut as offerings for the spirits at their ancestral shrine. In the afternoon, they visit this sacred location and inform the spirits about the upcoming celebration. Tor Mor communicates with the spirits in the ancient Urak Lawoi language, inviting them to participate in the ceremony with the Urak Lawoi descendants.

Day One: Boat parade

The Urak Lawoi people parade the boat which is beautifully decorated with flowers, flags, and various sculptures. This parade is a joyous occasion, with everyone dressed in vibrant colors and dancing alongside the boat. Beer and liquor are essential parts of the festivities.

Upon reaching the ceremony site, they circle the shrine three times with their boat before placing it on the beach. They play three different Rong Ngeng songs, during which they place nail clippings, hair, and coins in the boat. This symbolizes the removal of negative energy from their bodies and its transferred to the boat. Following three Rong Ngeng songs, modern music takes over, and the new generation dances the night away.

At high tide, in the evening, they engage in a spirited water-splashing activity. They split into two groups, one in the sea with containers to collect water, and the other on land. When the waves roll in, they scoop up water and splash it towards the group on the shore.

Day Two: Take the boat to the sea and Pa Dak sticks ceremony.

At dawn, the men carry the boat to the sea, while the rest of the community sing a song to send the boat off, taking away negative energy with it. Some Urak Lawoi people also seek blessings from their ancestors' spirits to ensure the happiness of future generations.

The men lower the boat onto a long-tail boat and transport it to the middle of the ocean before releasing it. They believe that if the boat returns to the shore, it signifies the return of negativity until the next Pra Jak Boat Ceremony.

The ceremony continues, culminating in a Pa Dak sticks and holy water ceremony on the final night. The Pa Dak sticks are removed from the ceremonial site and replanted around the village's perimeter and in the village's centre. This is done with the belief that the sticks will ward off evil spirits and prevent their reentry.

The Prajak boat, crafted from White Cheesewood and Ra Gam trees, is a significant symbol. It represents the vessel that transports souls, both of people and animals, to another world. Beautifully carved Ra Gam wood pieces adorn the boat, with a bird on the bow symbolizing To Burong, an ancestor who controls the rain and the wind. Carved fish teeth represent To Bigong, an ancestor who was a shark, and a snake symbolizes Akhoberatai, an ancestor who was a snake. The Ra Gam dolls on the boat carry the suffering and illness of each family member, offering it to the ancestors to take to the Kununghirai. Those who participate in the entire floating boat ceremony are seen as individuals who have transcended suffering and illness, with the promise of a future filled with happiness and good fortune.

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Meet the Urak Lawoi: Guardians of Ancient Seafaring Traditions

"Urak Lawoi, which means 'sea people,' takes its name from 'Urak' meaning 'people' and 'Lawoi' meaning 'sea.'

In the early days, their way of life was deeply connected to the sea, with boats serving as their homes. They have settled in the provinces of Satun, Krabi, and Phuket. Their initial settlement was in an area known as 'Satak,' which we call Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is often considered the heart of the Urak Lawoi community.

This community's unique way of life is closely tied to the sea. They've passed down cultural wisdom through generations, enabling them to use and conserve natural resources in a sustainable manner. An essential part of their culture is the 'Pla Jak Boat Floating Ceremony,' performed to ward off misfortune and send their ancestors' spirits back to 'Kununghirai,' believed to be their homeland.

In the past, the Urak Lawoi people lived in the Kununghirai mountain range along the coastal area in the state of Kedah (Sai Buri). Over time, they ventured into Thai waters of the Andaman Sea. In the beginning, they lived a nomadic lifestyle, using wooden boats as their residences and vehicles. They would use kayaks or thatch for shelter on the boats or create temporary shacks on the beach during the monsoon season.

Their survival depended on their skills in sailing around the islands, occasionally coming ashore to forage for wild resources. However, their primary source of sustenance came from hunting marine animals using simple tools like harpoons, prongs, and hooks. They possessed the remarkable ability to dive deep to spearfish, catch lobsters with their bare hands, and collect shellfish from the seabed.

Today, you can find the Urak Lawoi people settled in various locations, from Koh Siray, Rawai Beach, Laem La Nuea, and Ban Sapam in Phuket, to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Jum, Koh Pu, Koh Wai, and Koh Lanta Yai in Krabi province. They also inhabit Koh Adang, Koh Lipe, Koh Bulon, and Koh Rawi in Satun Province.

Their culture revolves around honoring their ancestors' spirits, and they believe in the influence of the supernatural on their way of life. The 'Tho Mor' plays a pivotal role in conducting various rituals, including the boat floating ceremony and vow-making ceremonies.

One of the most significant rituals among the Urak Lawoi people is the 'Ari Pajak' boat floating ceremony, held twice a year in the 6th and 11th months. On this special day at the beach, you'll find tambourines, songs, singing and dancing, and a range of festivities. It's a time of joyous celebration, as they come together to remove bad luck from their community and celebrate their important cultural traditions."

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How to travel around Thailand on a budget

Exploring Thailand on a Budget: Your Guide to Affordable Adventures

Thailand's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities make it a dream destination for travelers from all walks of life. The good news is that you don't need a bottomless budget to experience the wonders this country has to offer. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a guide on how to travel around Thailand on a budget, ensuring you can make the most of your adventure without breaking the bank.

1. Opt for Budget Accommodations:

Consider staying in budget accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. These options are often cheaper than luxury resorts, and you can find them in most popular tourist areas. Look for accommodations with good reviews and consider sharing a room or opting for dormitory-style arrangements to save even more.

2. Eat Like a Local:

Indulging in delicious Thai cuisine doesn't have to be expensive. Seek out local street food stalls and eateries to experience authentic flavors at affordable prices. These local food joints offer a wide variety of dishes, from pad Thai to flavorful curries. Embrace the local dining culture and savor the delicious street food while saving money.

3. Utilize Public Transportation:

Thailand has an extensive and affordable public transportation system. Opt for local buses, trains, or tuk-tuks to get around cities and towns. Long-distance travel can be accomplished by using overnight buses or trains, allowing you to save on accommodation costs while traveling between destinations.

4. Explore Free and Low-Cost Attractions:

Thailand offers numerous attractions that won't put a dent in your wallet. Explore the lively street markets, wander through ornate temples, and marvel at the natural wonders of national parks—all without breaking your budget. Research free or low-cost attractions in each destination and plan your itinerary accordingly.

5. Embrace Local Transportation:

In major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, take advantage of affordable transportation options such as public buses, Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), or even rent a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace. Avoid taking taxis or private cars for short distances as they can be more expensive.

6. Bargain and Negotiate:

Haggling is a common practice in Thailand, especially in local markets and small shops. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices and ask for discounts. Remember to be respectful and friendly while bargaining, and you may be surprised at the savings you can achieve.

7. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons:

Consider traveling during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to take advantage of lower prices for accommodations, flights, and activities. Prices tend to be higher during peak seasons, such as major holidays or festivals, so plan your trip accordingly to save money.

Traveling around Thailand on a budget is not only possible but also an enriching experience. By implementing these budget-friendly tips, you can explore the country's vibrant cities, immerse yourself in its cultural heritage, and discover its natural beauty without straining your finances. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and embrace the local culture to make the most of your affordable Thai adventure. Happy travels!

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