There is much speculation as to the historical origins of the Moken people . It is thought that , due to their Austronesian language , they originated in Southern China as agriculturalists 5000-6000 years ago . From there , the Austronesian peoples dispersed and settled various South Asian Islands . It is theorized that the Moken were forced off of these coastal islands into a nomadic lifestyle on the water due to rising sea levels . The islands the Moken inhabit received much media attention in 2005 during the recovery from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . As they are keenly attuned to the ocean , the Moken in some areas knew the tsunami that struck on 26 December 2004 was coming and managed to preserve many lives . However , in the coastal villages of Phang Nga Province , like Tap Tawan , the Moken suffered severe devastation to housing and fishing boats in common with other Moken communities
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Moken