Many people ask what we do and unless you have volunteered with us, it may seem difficult to grasp. In order to understand what we do, it helps to have a knowledge of whom we help: Thailand Hill Tribes.
/hil/ /trīb/ (ชาวเขาเผ่า):
Ethnic minority groups living in the mountains in the northern and western regions of Thailand.
Throughout northern Thailand rest thousands of village communities nestled in the mountains. These are called hill tribes; the people literally build communities and live on the hills.
These villagers are usually not of Thai decent and each hill tribe has it’s own language. Their ancestry includes ethnic minority groups from various surrounding countries including Myanmar (aka Burma), China, Tibet and Laos. There are six main groups of hill tribe people: Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien (or Yao) and Lisu.
HOW/WHY ARE THEY IN THAILAND?
Over the last 300 years, many have migrated to Thailand as a result of discrimination or internal struggles. Additionally, since these groups have been formed, Thailand has taken over the areas that were once considered Burma, China or Laos. In spite of their long presence, these groups still face much discrimination and are considered non-native.
LACK THAI CITIZENSHIP
Being largely dependent on agriculture for income and employment, this lack of Thai citizenship and discrimination is probably the biggest obstacle they are faced with because they are forced to live with limited resources and funding.
For the consideration of granted rights, the communities must prove to the Thai government that they are self-sufficient and can contribute to society. This is very difficult considering their current restricted freedom and biased reputation.
HOW DO THEY LIVE?
They live very simply and peacefully. Their way of life is quite primitive and lacking modern conveniences. The lifestyle varies among the different tribal groups though most are limited to basic needs. Hill tribe people live off their land and livestock, only purchasing limited resources when necessary.
Some communities have running water and some don’t. Some communities have access to education or medical clinics but many don’t.
That’s where ITDP and our volunteers step in. It is our mission to provide hope for the hill tribes by assisting them in sponsored projects; to make sure their basic needs are met and to give them opportunities to create change.
You can be part of the change too. Visit our page for more information or contact us if you or your team is interested in volunteering.
