This following paper is dedicated to the Highland Peoples of Thailand, which are written about and “developed” by the Thailand government and others but seldom have the chance to speak or write back. Seemingly their traditional way of living is not fitting into the modern capitalist and globalized world any more, which is surrounding them and new challenges are coming up each day. Individuals and groups have to adjust in some way to the world as it is now only changing but also getting smaller. As they are living within the nation state of Thailand there is not much option for them as to accept the western nationalism concept and the Thais as the dominant group in the state. The way they deal with this situation and the way the Thai government is dealing with it and is trying to improve the situation not leading to problems derived from ethnic differences should be the reason for this paper. The Thai concern for their national identity is valid, given the diversity of minority groups within their border and the rise of ethno political conflicts throughout the world (Kampe 1997:24). As ethno political problems are everywhere in heterogeneous societies a comparative approach has to be taken. Nonetheless will the focus be on the living of Highland Peoples within Thailand and changes which occurred to their communities from the outside over the last decades. We will look into the lives of the six recognized “Hilltribes” in Thailand and their situation as residents of the state of Thailand. A big issue should be the cultural clash between different cultural heritages and the Thai government actions trying to cope with it. At the end we will think about ways and policies which have been done and policies which in our view should be done. Suggestions would only concern the particular issue of the Highland Peoples living in Thailand and are opted for the best outcome for the those peoples written about, including the Thais. The author is aware of that the outcome is only suggestions and does in no case challenge the autonomy of the peoples involved.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. STEREOTYPES
3. HIGHLAND PEOPLES OF THAILAND
3.1. THE KAREN
3.2. HMONG
3.3. MIEN
3.4. LAHU
3.5. LISU
3.6. AKHA
4. SOME? CHANGES
5. ECONOMIC SITUATION
6. ENVIRONMENT
7. GOVERNMENT ACTION
8. BENEFITS
9. CULTURE
10. CONCLUSIONS
11. LITERATURE
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the living conditions and social challenges faced by the six recognized Highland Peoples of Thailand, focusing on the impact of government policies, cultural clashes, and economic shifts in a modernizing nation-state.
- The historical and ongoing marginalization of Highland Peoples.
- Specific cultural, religious, and social characteristics of six key ethnic groups.
- The influence of national policies on environment and economic livelihood.
- The challenges of integration, citizenship, and identity preservation.
- Recommendations for achieving more inclusive and pluralistic government policies.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. The Karen
The Karen or Kariang or Yang is the largest group of Highland Peoples in Thailand. They consist of two major divisions the Sgaw and Pwo7, which speak the Sgaw and Pwo Karen language. In the 18th century Karen started to immigrate from Burma, where still about 4 million live today, into Thailand, where they make up 246.000 people (Lewis 2002:70). A characteristic for their cloth might be the traditional red woven color cloth, which they wear with beats but no heavy jewellery. Karen are found on a lower elevation than other groups and in agricultural techniques they are known for their sound method of swidden agriculture. Living in the valleys they tend to imitate the Thai farmers in their methods.
Their villages are traditionally built in clusters around mother villages, but due to the population pressure there are no longer sites into which satellite villages can move, which forces the Karen to adjust. Karen villages are more stable than those of other tribes, even when a priest dies and a village has to move, they move not far and they can still use their fields. For that they grow permanent crops like jackfruit, mango and citrus fruits and they also have garden areas and tobacco fields. All that is a sharp contrast to most other highland peoples.
The most important person in the village is the priest, which has to restore harmony and in consultation with the elders allocates the fields to households. Compared to him the village headmen has little power, he has to deal with the Thai authorities which sometimes brings him in between two cultures more than other villagers.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the scope of the study regarding the marginalized Highland Peoples in Thailand and the need for a comparative analysis of their situation within the modern Thai nation-state.
2. STEREOTYPES: Discusses how social perceptions and stereotypes define minority groups and contribute to their status as "second class citizens" in Thai society.
3. HIGHLAND PEOPLES OF THAILAND: Provides a detailed examination of the six recognized groups—Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Lisu, and Akha—covering their origins, beliefs, and social organization.
4. SOME? CHANGES: Analyzes the rapid transformations in lifestyle, family structure, and traditional hierarchy caused by external pressures and government relocation efforts.
5. ECONOMIC SITUATION: Explores the economic hardships, land rights issues, and the impact of tourism and agricultural transitions on the Highland communities.
6. ENVIRONMENT: Investigates the causes of deforestation in Thailand, challenging the narrative that blames Highland agricultural practices for the loss of forest cover.
7. GOVERNMENT ACTION: Presents a chronological overview of government committees and policies developed to manage "hill tribe" affairs from the 1930s to the 1980s.
8. BENEFITS: Acknowledges the improvements in infrastructure and services but highlights the lack of autonomy and dissatisfaction among the Highland Peoples regarding the pace of change.
9. CULTURE: Argues that cultural integrity is more vital than mere economic success, emphasizing the cognitive and social significance of cultural worldviews.
10. CONCLUSIONS: Summarizes the need for equal citizenship and the protection of autonomy to resolve the issues of discrimination faced by Highland Peoples.
11. LITERATURE: Lists the sources and journals used for the academic research presented in the paper.
Keywords
Highland Peoples, Thailand, Hilltribes, Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, Swidden agriculture, Government policy, Social identity, Cultural clash, Citizenship, Ethnic minorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the situation of the Highland Peoples of Thailand, analyzing how they are treated by the government and how they adapt to the challenges of living in a modern, globalized state.
Which ethnic groups are highlighted in the work?
The author profiles the six groups officially recognized by the Thai government: the Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Lisu, and Akha.
What is the main goal or research question?
The research explores the impact of government policies on these groups and seeks to provide suggestions for improving their living conditions while respecting their autonomy and cultural identity.
What methodology does the author employ?
The paper utilizes a comparative approach, reviewing historical policies, social dynamics, and anthropological data to understand the diverse situations of these minority groups.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers social stereotypes, economic challenges like land rights and tourism, environmental concerns, and the history of Thai government intervention through various committees.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Highland Peoples, Hilltribes, Ethnic minorities, Government policy, Cultural identity, and Swidden agriculture.
How has the shift away from opium cultivation impacted these tribes?
The transition to new cash crops due to the illegality of opium has caused significant economic strain and altered traditional farming routines, often making the groups more dependent on markets.
What is the political status of the Highland Peoples according to the text?
The paper notes that their political status is very low, with most members lacking Thai citizenship, which limits their mobility, land ownership, and participation in government.
Why does the author emphasize "culture" in the conclusions?
The author argues that cultural identity is central to human life and that rapid, externally forced changes can destroy the societal foundations that allow these peoples to construct their reality and maintain harmony.
- Quote paper
- Sabine Putzgruber (Author), 2004, Effects of Government policies towards the Highland peoples in Thailand, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/56020
