All through the north of Thailand there are numerous hill tribes living in traditional villages. These are groups of people from all over Southeast Asia who live in ways that have changed little for thousands of years. They have migrated to Thailand to escape persecution in their own countries. Each has its own language, customs, organisation and culture.

Paduang (Karen) village

The hilltribes generally produce everything they need. They sell traditional handicrafts as well as crops such as coffee, lettuce, fruit and vegetables. They follow a 'slash and burn' method, which means a cleared area is planted and harvested and then abandoned for several years while the forest regrows.

The hilltribes are:

There are four groups of Karen, who live mainly in Mae Song Son province. Karen houses are not usually large, made of bamboo or teak, built on stilts. Beneath the house is a work area. Two married women cannot live in the same house. The village chief has great power and is the spiritual and administrative leader. Many have converted to Christianity. One group of Karen are the Paduang. From early childhood, Paduang women (left) gradually add permanent brass rings around their necks, wrists and legs. As adults, the neck rings cannot be removed - after so many years, the women's necks are stretched and cannot support themselves without rings.

There are two groups of Hmong: the White and the Blue.Their villages are high in the mountains. Houses have a dirt floor and roof which extends close to the ground. They live in extended families, unlike the Karen, so there are two or more bedrooms and a guest platform in the houses. Their religion is Animist, which means they believe there are spirits in everyday objects.They are a fiercely independent people who dislike taking orders, so the village head man has little power. Hmong handicrafts and clothing is in high demand.

The Lahu originated in southwest China. There are 4 tribes: Black, Yellow, Red and She-leh. All wear very decorative costumes. Houses are on high stilts with thatched rooves. Many Lahu have converted to Christianity but the Red Lahu build a central Animist temple in their villages.

The Lisu originated in Eastern Tibet and are fiercely independent. They wear colourful costumes and live high in the mountains. Houses are built on the ground of bamboo. The Lisu live in extended families, the number of bedrooms depending on the size of the family. There are 12 clans of Lisu, and marriage must be between members of different clans. A bride price is paid. The Lisu believe strongly in the spirit world.

The Akha are the poorest of the hilltribes. They originated in Tibet, and in Thailand live in high altitudes. Their houses are on low stilts and have steep rooves. The villages have ceremonial gates, intricately carved. The carvings must not be touched or shown disrespect. Each village has a giant swing in the centre. In August each year there is a 'Swinging Festival' when the headman and then the rest of the villagers take turns to use the swing. The reasons for this practice are not known. The Akha are very superstitious and their religion prescribes exactly how each action must be performed.

The Yao originated in southern China, and at one time held considerable power in China. They pride themselves on cleanliness and honour. They are the only hilltribe to have a written language. Yao houses are built of wood, with two or more bedrooms and a guest platform. The Yao sell their beautiful embroidery as well as a variety of food crops.

The Lawa people migrated to Thailand from Cambodia about 800 years ago. Because they have been there so long, their villages now closely resemble Thai villages. The women tie their hair in a turban and wear distinctive beads. It is not unusual for the women to smoke a wooden pipe.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
A Trip toThailand (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated March 2001