Exploring the Sea Gypsies of Southern Thailand

🌊The Chao Leh people are a group of Thai sea gypsies who rely on the ocean for their unique lifestyle.

🎣They dive up to 40m deep using improvised air compressors to fish for the porcupine fish, one of the most poisonous fish in the world.

🔪The porcupine fish has a toxin 1000x more poisonous than cyanide, which paralyzes the respiratory system.

🏝️Koh Lanta is an island in southern Thailand where around 400 Chao Leh people live, known as the 'people of the sea.'

🦈The Chao Leh people encounter sharks while diving, but they are not afraid as the larger sharks are not aggressive.

What is the porcupine fish?

—The porcupine fish is a pufferfish found in the Andaman Sea, and it is one of the most poisonous fish in the world. Its toxin is 1000x more poisonous than cyanide.

How do the Chao Leh people fish for the porcupine fish?

—The Chao Leh people dive up to 40m deep using improvised air compressors. They use cages to trap the fish and then release protected species.

Do the Chao Leh people eat the porcupine fish?

—Yes, the Chao Leh people consider the porcupine fish a delicacy and cook it in various ways.

Are there any risks involved in fishing for the porcupine fish?

—Fishing for the porcupine fish is dangerous due to its toxic spines and internal organs. Proper handling and preparation are necessary to avoid exposure to the toxin.

How do the Chao Leh people avoid shark attacks?

—The Chao Leh people encounter sharks while diving, but they have learned to coexist with them. They believe that larger sharks are not aggressive, and they take precautions to avoid encounters with smaller sharks.

00:03The video introduces the Chao Leh people, a group of Thai sea gypsies who rely on the ocean for their unique lifestyle.

00:20The Chao Leh people dive up to 40m deep using improvised air compressors to fish for the porcupine fish.

00:33The porcupine fish has a toxin that is 1000x more poisonous than cyanide.

05:03Koh Lanta is an island in southern Thailand where around 400 Chao Leh people live.

11:38The Chao Leh people encounter sharks while diving, but they are not afraid as the larger sharks are not aggressive.