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| The Oriental Hilltribe Peoples of Thailand |
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The Akha
 The Akha people originated in China and Tibet and over time many have migrated into Burma, Laos and Northern Thailand where the first settlers arrived around 1910. They are believed to be amongst the poorest of the hilltribe peoples, traditionally involved in agriculture, but now more are involved in selling their beautiful handicrafts.
The Akha are famous for their exotic costumes, small stature, sense of humour, handicrafts and not least their resolute spirit.
Typically they live at high altitudes with the family living in traditional wooden and bamboo houses on low stilts. Many now however have relocated to larger towns where they can more easily sell their wares.
Many Akhas still only speak their native language which often results in discrimination and can make it difficult for them to integrate into Thai society.
The Hmong
 The Hmong ethnic peoples origins trace to Western China, Mongolia and Tibet. They have since spread through Asia and there are now believed to be in the region of 70,000 inhabiting the Northern regions of Thailand.
Noted for their beautiful embroidery, they were traditionally involved in agriculture and opium growing. This is now in decline and many craft and sell their own extraordinary handicrafts to supplement their income.
Using natural remedies gleaned through the generations the Hmong are also renowned for their knowledge of the healing properties of herbs.
Traditionally at high altitudes Hmong villages are often situated below the crest of a protecting hill. Their houses usually rest on the ground and are not elevated like those of the other tribes people. Usually the entire family live together. Hmong clothing is very much sought after and the Hmong women can often be seen at local Thai markets.
Despite getting much attention from missionaries there have been few converts to Christianity with most Hmong people maintaining their Animist beliefs.
Although their ancient ways of life are slowly changing they are a proud people who maintain their independence.
The Lisu
 Originating from Eastern Tibet the first Lisu people arrived in Thailand around 90 years ago. Living in the Northern hill areas most of the Lisu are located in and around Mae Hong Son, Pai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai regions of Thailand.
Regarded as perhaps the most beautiful of all the hilltribe peoples. This is complimented by their stunning colourful outfits, their sense of fun and their naturally self confident and playful nature.
They celebrate traditional Chinese New Year and it is a sight to behold. Traditional costumes and silver jewelry displays demonstrating their wealth and status.
Lisu villages are located at moderate to high elevations. Houses typically timber with bamboo and a thatched straw roof. There is usually an alter inside to honour their ancestors and the extended family all live together.
The Lahu
The Lahu peoples origins are believed to trace back to south west China. These nomadic peoples have migrated over time into many other parts of Asia. Many have arrived and settled in the Northern hill provinces of Thailand. There are four sub-groups of Lahu in Thailand - Black, Yellow, Red and She-leh. Their numbers in Thailand are believed to be around 25,000.
Lahu villages are located at high altitudes and typically their houses are built on high stilts with wooden floor planks, bamboo walls, and thatched grass roofs. Domestic animals are kept below the dwelling and the family sleep in this main room. Renowned for their hunting skills they have diversified into agriculture and are famous for their beautiful embroideries and handicrafts.
It is believed that in the region of 30% of the Lahu peoples have been converted to Christianity by missionaries resulting in them abandoning their animist beliefs and traditional ways of life.
The King of Thailand has helped many of the tribes people diversify their agriculture and encouraged new enterprises with the introduction of the Royal project, but undoubtedly the Lahu peoples face a difficult time in maintaining their independence whilst integrating into Thai society.
The Karen
 The Karen number approximately 300,000 in Thailand, and are the largest minority group there, larger than all the other groups combined. It is believed that they first started arriving in Thailand more than 200 years ago. Their numbers have increased dramatically over the last 50 years with many fleeing neighbouring Burma (Mayamar) where the Karen are fighting for their independence.
The Padaung are more commonly known as “Karen long-neck” whose women wear many tight bronze or silver rings around their necks, are a sub group of the Karen peoples. This practice to the younger girls although considered cruel is continuing to this day largely due to the novelty factor for tourists.
The Karen are a warm friendly people and expert elephant handlers from their days when they were using the elephants to remove logs to clear forest space for their agriculture. They are famous for their beautiful intricate silver jewelry.
The Yao
The Yao are considered the aristocrats of the hilltribe peoples. Their long history traces back to the ancient Chinese dynasties. Indeed a Yao princess is said to have married one of the Chinese emperors.
Their religion is based on Chinese Taoism, although there are now many converts to Buddhism and Christianity. They are friendly, sociable and famous for their beautiful silver and embroidery. Populations are centred around Phayao, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces.
Considered to be the most business like people of the hilltribes they have adapted to Thai life and many have become very successful. Their craftworks are very sought after and appreciated for their beauty.
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