The term hilltribes is used to describe the ethnic minority groups in the mountainous regional areas in Northern Thailand, 
who have originally come from Tibet, Burma, Laos and China over the past 200 years or so. Many villagers do not have Thai citizenship, which affects availability of schooling, healthcare, legal employment and right to own land. Due to political, social and economic problems, and the amount of time passed since leaving their country of origin, many do not have the option of returning despite a very low standard of living and the problems of non-citizenship.
The Tribal Research Institute in Chiang Mai recognises 10 different hill tribes, but there also may be a few other tribes which are present in small numbers or who have recently migrated to Thailand. There are six main hilltribes of Northern Thailand; Ahka (I-Kaw), Hmong (Mong or Maew), Lisu (Lisaw), Karen (Yang or Kariang), Mien (Yao), Lahu (Musoe). Each tribe can be distinguished by their language, culture, dress and spiritual beliefs.
Traditionally, hilltribe villages were sustained by slash and burn agriculture, which required them to move every few years in favour of new fertile fields. There are now great obstacles to continuing this semi-nomadic lifestyle, including the lack of available land.
The production and sale of handicrafts is an answer to their problem, and one which does not destroy the traditions of tribal community life. It is also suggested that handicraft production helps to restore and revive these traditions which otherwise might have been forgotten.
I can not nearly come close to presenting the quality of information that is available on the culture, customs, community and struggles of the Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand on this website, and I am by no means an expert on the subject. Below I have listed some resources where you may find more information.
Resources |
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Virtual Hilltribe Museum- project of the Mirror Art Group of Chiang Rai, Thailand to document the rapidly changing cultures of hilltribe people in northern Thailand. |
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Sustainable Development Department (SD), Case Study: Education opportunities for hill tribes in Northern Thailand |