Hill Tribe People of
Northern Thailand
Karen Long Neck Girl
Hill Tribe is a phrase associated with various tribal natives of Northern Thailand. Originally generations of ethnic Asian people migrated south from China and Tibet over the past few centuries and settled in the very thick-forested mountainous regions between the borders of northern Thailand and parts of Laos and Burma.There are several displaced hill tribes now living in various localities and remote refugee camps in the northern districts of Thailand. I am led to believe that the Thai government is desperately trying to have many of the Akha tribe people repatriated back to counties like those of Laos and Burma. I stand to correction but while many of the newer generations of these groups today where born in these areas, it would appear that some form of xenophobia is taking place. This malicious fear of others is not only limited to people of colour right across the globe but it's happening to various black refugees from Zimbabwe, Somalia and other parts of Africa who are now crossing the borders into South Africa.
A compassionate person myself, my sympathy extends to all these humble folk.
Lisu Tribes Gathering Garlic
On a much lighter note let me welcome you to the colourful world of Thailand's most northerly inhabitants. Here you will discover up to half a million ethnic Asian people living amongst nature's inherent environment. Each group have their own distinctive customs, dress, language as well as some animistic religious beliefs. There are six major groups consisting of the Karen Hill Tribe, the Akha Tribe, the Lahu Tribe, The Hmong Tribe, the Mien Tribe and the Lisu Tribe. Other smaller gatherings include the Lawa Tribe, the Yao Tribe and the Meo Tribe. I very much doubt that you will get to see all of them but you may certainly give it a try.
Long Neck Karen Tribe at Home
Should you be going to the north for only a few days and would like to see as much of this fabulous area as possible with all it's diversities, you could include a visit to one of the commercialized villages to see the Hmong Tribe of Doi Pui. If it's not to late after viewing
Doi Suthep Temple,
then my suggestion to you is to take the road from the palace entrance and continue past the pine forest until you reach the village of Doi Pui. You will find it on all the local tourist maps.
A Hill Tribe Village
Thailand Hill Tribe Groups
Karen Tribe from Burma
The Karen Tribe
are the largest of all the minority groups in Thailand comprising in total of around 300 thousand. They are divided into three main assemblages. The Red Karen or Kayah is one such group. Another is the Black Karen or Pgo and the third one is the White Karen or Sgaw. Although some tribes continue to practice animistic and Buddhist teachings, many have converted to Christianity.
Hmong Tribe girl at a Chiang Mai Market
Thailand Hill Tribe Groups
Hmong Tribe from Yunnan and Laos
The Hmong Tribe are the second largest minority group comprising in total of around 120 thousand. They are divided into two distinct groups, are fiercely independent, have nomadic tendencies and practice animistic religious beliefs. Many of the Hmong tribe were originally from Yunnan in the far southwest of China and are often referred to as Meo while others originated from Laos. These groups are sub-divided into the White Hmong and the Green Hmong with the latter most copious. The women tend to wear heavily embroidered and tightly pleated skirts while the men tend to wear baggy black pants with bright embroidery along the cuffs and seams. You will find a few Hmong tribe villages around Chiang Mai. The women can be seen selling their goods at various markets in the city. Why not visit one of the villages near Doi Suthep or
Doi Inthanon.
Colourful Headgear for Sale
Thailand Hill Tribe Groups
Lisa Tribe from Tibet and Yunnan
The Lisu Tribe originate from Tibet and Yunnan and have much smaller numbers than their majority cousins. There are around 30 thousand in total. Perhaps you may be fortunate enough to visit one of their villages high up in the mountains. Lisu women can be seen wearing brightly coloured tunics worn over long pants. In the photo above you will notice some of the older generation still continue to wear tasselled turbans on their heads. Both men and women are considered to be the most physically attractive of all the hill tribes and marriage outside of their own group is not uncommon. This tribe cultivates corn and vegetables including garlic and they also keep many livestock such as chicken, cows and goats.
Akha Woman with Blackened Teeth
Thailand Hill Tribe Groups
Akha Tribe from Tibet and Burma
The Akha Tribe population of north Thailand number approximately 70 thousand with many more living in the heart of the
Golden Triangle
between the borders of Burma and Laos. They are among the most impoverished of all the hill tribes. The Akha are inclined to be mistreated due to their resistance in assimilating into mainstream Thai culture while defending their own traditional culture and are often besieged by American missionaries wanting to convert them to Christianity. Because they practice mostly animistic religious beliefs, if a member of the tribe becomes a non-believer then he or she usually has to leave the village for good. The Akha are divided into four main groups using the names Pa Mi, U Law, Law Mi and A Keu with each speaking their own dialect besides the Akha language itself. Their stilted homes are made from bamboo and cogon grass and usually built on hill tops in an attempt to avoid diseases. The lifestyle is based very much around agriculture growing rice and vegetables. The Akha are a hard working bunch who on many occasions, spend more time in the fields than with their own families. Now that the Thai government has curtailed their earning from the production of opium, to earn their keep, they grow cash crops like chilies, soybeans, cabbages, and tomatoes. Akha women are particularly noted for their expertise in the art of weaving. They sell their colourful clothing styles as well as decorative articles made from bamboo, wood and rattan to supplement their meager income. Akha women wear plain indigo tunics decorated with many kinds of eye-catching paraphernalia such as coins, beads and shells. They also wear very visible ornate headdress embellished with lots of silver. The Akha are certainly a fascinating and colourful tribe, many of whom can be seen at the Night Bazaars hawking their intricate silver jewellery. You can also visit the Akha Tribe in their villages in the
Chiang Rai
province and perhaps join in their annual swing festival celebrations.
Happy Young Akha Girl
Thailand Hill Tribe Groups
Lahu Tribe from Yunnan and Burma
The Lahu Tribe are also known as Musor and number around 70 thousand. Most of them live close to the Burmese border. They are divided into five groups called Lahu Sheleh, Red Lahu, Yellow Lahu, White Lahu and Black Lahu. The the latter being the largest group making up close to 80 per cent of the Lahu population. Lahu women wear very distinctive black and red jackets and skirts while the men wear baggy green or blue pants. The tribe have a reputation as excellent hunters and survive off vegetable cultivation while supplementing their meager income with opium production. Some even continue to use opium among the tribe.
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