A group of conservationists are calling for areas to be designated as conservation areas for the Maniq tribe, a group of hunter-gatherers commonly known as Sakai.
The cultural preservation call was made by a group of Buddhist clergy belonging to the so-called Five Precept Protection Committee based in the South.
The group toured the province of Satun where they monitored progress in the national reconciliation project.
Phra Sophon Woraporn, deputy chief of the Songkhla Buddhist clergy order and member of the committee, said that during the tour, the panel also paid a visit to the Maniq people in Thung Wa district.
There are 382 Maniq tribespeople living in the Bantad mountain range across Satun, Trang and Phatthalung. They live in harmony with nature and communicate in Thai with people outside their communities through interpreters.
The senior monk said the nomadic Maniq tribespeople are divided into various groups scattered in Satun. The committee has discussed ways to conserve the unique cultural identity of the tribe and prevent their standard of living from being impacted by the outside world.
Phra Sophon said one of the ways was to set aside areas where the Maniq can lead their normal lives and also be studied by experts.
The aim would be to bridge the gap between outsiders and the tribespeople and prevent any pretext that could trigger a conflict between them, according to the senior monk.
On Thursday, Somchai Seanglai and a group of fellow senators visited the Maniq community in Pa Bon district of Phatthalung.
The tribespeople have been granted the surname of "Rakpabon" meaning "Preserving Pa Bon" which reflects the name of the district.
In the past, the Maniq were issued citizenship cards and given access to the state welfare cards, Mr Somchai said.