The Festival of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand 2011

Under the theme “Asserting Indigenous Peoples’ Lifestyle and Rights” there will be the Festival of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand on 7-9 August 2011 at Suan Chalerm Phrakiat King Rama IX of the Chiang Mai Administration Organization by the Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (NIPT).

Thailand as an area rich in ethnic culture and bio-diversity boasts a considerable number of indigenous peoples throughout its various regions. Each ethnic group possesses its own language, identity, culture and social fabric, including [but not limited to]: Akha, Hmong, Kachin, Karen, Khamu, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, Mien, Mrabri, Palaung, Tai Khoen, Thai Lue, Tai Yai, Thai Yuan in the North, as well as Moken, Moklen, Mani, and Urak Lawoi in the South, Kui, Phu Thai, Saek, and So in the East and Northeast, and also Mon and Thai Song Dam in the Central Region.

Most of these are small groups living in harmony with nature and practicing agriculture and using natural resources for subsistence in a sustainable manner. Their indigenous socialization has resulted in identities, cultures and lifestyles passed down over numerous generations. More recently, their cultures and value systems have begun to erode and become less significant. Some of the causes include government development policies focused heavily on economic growth and social assimilation. The ethnic groups have struggled to maintain their identities and lifestyles in the face of global forces. What the government needs to do is to provide increasing support to the people in addressing their problems using their own considerable indigenous knowledge and skills.

Northern Thai News 79 – 04.08.2011 by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai