Discover Thailand (12): Hill Tribes, the hill tribes
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The hill tribes of Thailand are ethnic minorities that mainly live in the mountains of the north of the country. These groups have their own unique culture, language and traditions that differ from those of the dominant Thai culture. There are several groups of hill tribes in Thailand, including the Hmong, Karen, Lisu and Lahu.
The hill tribes in Thailand have a long history of migration and relocation. Many of these groups come from other parts of Asia, such as China and Burma, and have moved to Thailand to escape wars and conflicts in their country of origin, so it would be better to classify them as refugees.
An important part of the culture of the hill tribes is their connection with nature. Many of these groups still live in harmony with the surrounding nature and depend on farming, hunting and food gathering for their livelihoods. This means that they often live in small, remote villages. Usually without access to modern amenities such as electricity, internet and running water. The hill tribes have their own unique cultures and traditions that they are proud of. They speak their own languages and have their own costumes and rituals. Many of these groups are animistic and believe in the power of nature and the guardian spirits that inhabit it.
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The hill tribes of Thailand are often disadvantaged and marginalized by the dominant Thai culture. The hill tribes struggle to access education, healthcare and other basic services. They are also susceptible to exploitation and discrimination due to their particular lifestyle and unfamiliarity with Thai laws and regulations. Because they do not have an ID card or passport, they are excluded from all social services and are stateless. Despite these challenges, the hill tribes continue to maintain their unique cultures and traditions. Many of these groups have their own language and make unique handmade products such as clothing, jewelry and other crafts. These products can often be found in tourist markets and other parts of Thailand, where they serve as an important source of income.
In recent years, the Thai government has made efforts to improve the situation of the hill tribes by providing education and health care in remote areas. There are also increasing initiatives, for example by NGOs, to help the hill tribes preserve their cultures and traditions, enabling them to maintain their unique identity while still participating in Thai society. The Thai government itself mainly has a commercial motive to maintain the hill tribes, they attract many tourists who want to marvel at this group. Especially the longnecks is such a group that are more or less 'captive' in their own habitat.
The hill tribes have become increasingly involved in the tourism industry in Thailand in recent years. Some of the hill tribes now offer tourist activities such as trekking and workshops where people can learn about their culture and traditions.
Although the hill tribes still face problems such as exploitation, discrimination, exclusion and the preservation of their cultural identity, they are increasingly visible in Thai society. They are increasingly involved in the development of the country and play an important role in maintaining Thailand's cultural diversity.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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I lived in Chiang Kham, Phayao. I walked a lot in the area. Some 50 km from Chiang Kham used to be an extensive forest area. There lived in a dozen small villages (6-10 households) people of the people เมี่ยน Mien with a descending tone meaning 'people'. Usually called เย้า Yao in Thai with a high pitch which is a derogatory Chinese word. The women wear a bright red thick collar. They took good care of the forest. In the sixties during the fight against communism, they were driven out of the forest by the army and now live together with other peoples in a newly founded village.
The forest area was then almost completely cut down, which did the army no harm and the hills are now barren areas where corn is grown. That is the fate that befell many other hill tribes.
When I wanted to visit the area after a year in Thailand, sometime in 2000, my family strongly advised against jht. These peoples were wild, dirty, infected and dangerous, they said. I went anyway. I experienced them as friendly, ordinary people. I was always offered a meal.