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Exploring Ethnic Groups

Thailand is home to 60 ethnic groups
spread across 4,011 communities

totaling around

people

Ethnic groups originated during the 2420s B.E.,
also known as the reign of
King Rama 5. Siamese elites referred to the collective as

“Chaw Pa” or “Kon Pa” (forester).

Chaw Khao (hill tribes)

It first appeared in the two literatures of Prince Narathip Praphanphong,
namely The Royal Chronicles of Myanmar (2455 B.E.)
and Chronicles of Tai Yai (2456 B.E.),

using the terms “Hilltribes” or “Hill people.”

In the 2480s, following World War 2,
Thai society began to learn more about hill tribes.
They were targeted for political purposes related to security issues,
leading to prejudice and negative perceptions.

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The history of “Public Policies” and “Ethnic Groups” in Thailand

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It is divided into 7 sections:

Public policies concerning ethnic groups and indigenous peoples in Thailand

Initially, public policies focused on supporting and helping ethnic groups in the forest area. The aim was to promote health and educational development, protect against deforestation, crack down on narcotics, and counter communist movements.

In 1940

In 1952

In 1956

In 1959

In 1963

In 1965

At the end of 1967 or the beginning of 1968

In 1968

In 1969

September 1, 1940

Establishing the "Department of Public Welfare" to support, safeguard rights, and offer social welfare to those in need.

Began the processes with ethnic groups in forest areas

by using the idea that the indigenous peoples were far away from cities and transportation and lacked development. Public services should provide support.

August 7, 1956

The Ministry of Interior, under the government of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram, issued Order No. 653/2499 to establish a committee to support people living far from transportation and to develop indigenous communities. Initially, the committee focused on providing immediate assistance with clothing, goods, and food.

June 3, 1959

Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat’s cabinet approved a change from a committee supporting people living far from transportation to the Hill tribe welfare committee. This was the first national organization to design policies for hill tribes.

The government permitted the creation of four hill tribe settlements to unite the scattered ethnic groups living in forest areas and encourage activities such as livestock farming, cultivating perennial plants, and developing cottage industries. However, this initiative failed because the ethnic groups in the forest areas were diverse and unable to coexist.

The "Hill Tribes Welfare Division" was established under the Department of Public Welfare.

September 7, 1965

The cabinet of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn approved the establishment of additional agencies within the Hill Tribe Welfare Committee. The aim is to protect against deforestation, swidden fields, and opium cultivation while promoting social and economic development. The government utilized ethnic groups in forest areas as a critical factor in maintaining border security and national royalty.

The spread of Communism led to armed ethnic groups in forest areas clashing with the government’s soldiers in many regions, resulting in escalating and widening conflicts.

October 2, 1968

The cabinet of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn approved a change from the Hill Tribe Welfare Committee to the Hill Tribe Committee.

This committee's mission pertained to all issues related to ethnic groups in forest areas because the government believed that Communism had spread to these groups.

December 15, 1969

The cabinet of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn approved short- and long-term policies for social and economic development, protection against deforestation, opium cultivation, and peacekeeping.

Moreover, it allowed the use of military forces to suppress minority and ethnic groups in forest areas under communist circumstances.

The government reevaluated its policies and approaches towards ethnic groups in forest areas due to the security challenges they were facing, particularly the spread of communism.

The government implemented an integration policy to encourage ethnic groups living in forest areas to become Thai citizens by promoting nationalism and loyalty to the country. The policy also aimed to maintain efforts to reduce opium cultivation and support the social and economic development of these ethnic groups.

In 1976

In 1981

In 1982

July 6, 1976

The cabinet of Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj approved the Integration Policy, which implements patriotism toward Thai citizenship and loyalty to the country. This policy included initiatives such as the self-sufficiency policy, registration of hill tribes, and regulating the number of ethnic groups in forest areas.

Designated the policy for developing the ethnic groups in forest areas in The Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan for the first time (1982-1986).

The focus was more on the issues of ethnic groups in forest areas, and the main points were supporting permanent settlements, environmental revival, healthcare services, nutrition, education, and citizen quality development and self-sufficiency.

December 7, 1982

The cabinet of General Prem Tinsulanonda approved implementing a 3-point policy to address the ethnic groups in forest areas.

(1) Governance: Raised awareness among Thai citizens, maintained order, and reduced migration.
(2) Reduced opium cultivation and strictly prevented the use of opium.
(3) Social and economic development: obtaining income and providing healthcare services

From that period until today, the ethnic groups have gained more recognition. Still, conflicts about land rights overlapping forest areas persist, affecting the people and the ethnic groups in these areas.

One of the key organizations is the Thai Army, which started to engage in civil affairs during the Cold War, especially in the 1970s. After the conflict with the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) ended in the early 1980s, the Thai Army aimed to expand its roles, including forest preservation, and address new challenges to state security.

The Army began to shift from allowing people to live in and utilize forest areas to considering them obstacles to forest preservation (seeking advantages from the Army project).

Some laws related to areas and forests were the Forest Act of 1941, which defined forest areas and led to the declaration of forest areas; the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act of 1960; the National Park Act of 1961, which declared additional types of forests public land and prohibited private ownership; and the National Reserve Forest Act of 1964.

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In 1985

In 1987

In 1989

December 3, 1985

The cabinet of General Prem Tinsulanonda approved the national forestry policy 1985.

The government aimed to increase forest areas to at least 40% of the country’s land.

The cabinet of General Prem Tinsulanonda implemented the 'Green Isaan' Project.

The government's project in northeastern Thailand aimed to increase prosperity in the region. Some residents were forced to leave as part of the effort to counter the influence of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) , which had differing political views. The government stated that evacuating the residents from the area was necessary. However, many families could return to their homes after changing the government.

January 14, 1989

The cabinet of General Chatichat Choonhavan approved the shutdown of the forest concession after a devastating forest flash flood caused significant damage to many villages in southern Thailand, resulting in numerous deaths in 1988.

7 ก.พ. 2532

ครม. พล.อ. ชาติชาย ชุณหะวัณ มีมติกำหนดนโยบายความมั่นคงแห่งชาติเกี่ยวกับชาวเขาและการปลูกพืชเสพติด และแนวความคิดในการจัดทำแผนแม่บทเพื่อพัฒนาชนบท สิ่งแวดล้อม และการควบคุมพืชเสพติดที่สูง

Apart from the issues faced by ethnic groups in relation to public policies, another significant problem is the inability to obtain Thai nationality despite residing in Thailand for a long time. Without obtaining nationality, they are unable to access many rights they deserve, like other Thai people.

The survey by the National Statistical Office in 2018 found that there were approximately 1.8 million people in Thailand without Thai nationality. Data from UNICEF revealed that between 1992 and 2018, around 272,891 people from minority groups obtained Thai nationality.

In 1961-1962

In 1985-1988

In 1990-1991

In 1998-1999

In 2000

In 2005

In 2021

The Department of Public Welfare collaborated with the Police Department and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to survey the social and economic data of ethnic groups in rainforest areas. The survey found that 500,000 people from ethnic groups lived in forest areas in Thailand.

A survey was conducted in forest areas across 20 prefectures, and nine ethnic groups were found: Karen, Hmong, Mien, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, Khmu, and Mlabri. These groups totaled 554,172 people and 3,553 villages. As a result of the survey, efforts were made to register family members and conduct civil registration for hill tribes.

It conducted a survey to register highland residents and issued blue identification cards for them.

Registration of records for highland communities

Central Registration Bureau issued an order to consider listing the individual status in civil registration for highland people, 2000.

In 20 prefectures, nine ethnic groups (Karen, Hmong, Mien, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, Khmu, and Mlabri) born in Thailand and whose grandparents were also born in Thailand were eligible to apply for Thai nationality. To do so, they needed to provide evidence of hill tribe registration, highland people record registration, house registration, a credible witness, identification card, and birth registration, and they might also need to provide genetic evidence.

January 18, 2005

The cabinet of Thaksin Shinawatra approved the Department of Provincial Administration to conduct a survey and register records between 2005 and 2011.

The government designated the individuals in the identification card as "0" type persons belonging to group 89, which included nine ethnicities: Karen, Hmong, Mien, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, Khmu, and Mlabri. Tai Lue and Hmong WatThamkrabok, who had been living in the Kingdom for an extended period before September 30, 1999, either did not participate in the survey or did not register.

It later added the Moklen people who faced the tsunami and had to prove their minority status.

January 26, 2021

The cabinet of General Prayut Chan-o-cha approved the rules to define the status and rights of migrant people living for long periods. The government provided the status for legally immigrated aliens (as residents) in three groups.

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The government implemented a policy to promote social and economic growth in the country, which impacted the social and cultural dynamics of different ethnic groups. One aspect of this policy involved issuing regulations that denied land rights recognition and restricted traditional shifting cultivation practices. This led to a situation where the affected ethnic groups could not engage in agricultural activities. The loss of production power and traditional resource control led to the collapse of communities. Other contributing factors included population growth and environmental resource limitations. These circumstances affected ethnic groups, forcing them to abandon and change their traditional livelihoods.

A significant change in traditional livelihoods involved leaving original rural areas and moving to overcrowded city communities, such as those near the Mae Kha Canal. This shift led to cultural diversity, with many ethnic groups living together, including Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Chin Haw, Hmong, and Tai Yai. People also started taking up new occupations in the cities. However, this transition brought about various problems such as overcrowding, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, prostitution, engaging in illegal activities, exploitation, homelessness, and struggling to adapt to urban society.

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After World War II, there was increased mention of the idea of cultural rights for indigenous peoples and minority groups. This involved recognizing their rights to express their identities, live with dignity, and not face threats or forced assimilation from the dominant culture.

In 1948

In 1966

In 2007

The United Nations declared the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), calling for human rights and dignity protection. This marked the beginning of international advocacy for cultural rights.

The United Nations declared the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, emphasizing everyone's right to express their will and develop their culture. Governments must protect and promote cultural rights without exclusion or discrimination.

United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution approvingthe UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This declaration requires state parties to recognize and protect the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples.

The need to address the issues faced by ethnic groups was not limited to the international stage; Thailand also made attempts to resolve these problems through civil and indigenous efforts.

Before 1997

In 1997-2007

In 2007

In 2010

In 2011-2014

In 2018

In 2019

In 2020

In 2023

In 2024

Indigenous peoples were coming together as a small community in northern Thailand. They held a seminar to find solutions to the loss of their cultural heritage.

Indigenous peoples have formed a larger gathering and established the Assembly of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of Thailand to push for resolutions on forest land and individual status (nationality).

It was the first gathering of the Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (NIPT), with representatives from 17 indigenous groups nationwide coming together to advocate for and protect indigenous peoples' rights.

The Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand expanded its collaboration with indigenous peoples to 36 groups and announced the establishment of the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand to work together to resolve issues, promote development, and harness the potential for sustainable cultural development.

The Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand established a task force to propose the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand Bill B.E. …. The task force conducted public hearings and developed mechanisms to advance the council's affairs. After making improvements and presenting it, the bill received approval from the National Assembly forum.

April 6, 2018

The national social reform plan (2018-2022) was designated to establish a framework for an ethnic bill to promote and protect Thai ethnic groups.

June 26, 2019

Representatives from the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand and their respective parties proposed to the members of the House of Representatives to create a committee focused on ethnic and indigenous peoples. This initiative aims to improve the consideration process and address issues faced by indigenous peoples while urging the parliament to approve the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand Bill B.E….

However, the proposal was only put forward to a part of the Children, Youth, Women, Elderly, Disabled, Ethnic Groups, and Sexual Diversity Committee.

November 29, 2020

The Ministry of Culture’s bill task force at the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre revealed the Draft Law on the Promotion and Protection of Ethnic Livelihoods in Thailand for the first time.

August 9, 2023

The Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand expressed its intention to commemorate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples and urged the parliament to review every ethnic bill.

December 14, 2023

The House of Representatives allowed civil representatives who proposed the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand Bill to explain their principles and the essentials of the bill. There was a broad debate among many members of the house.

December 20, 2023

The House of Representatives reviewed the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand Bill. Still, Srettha Thavisin's cabinet requested that it be evaluated within 60 days, with the condition that it be returned for review in Parliament with similar content to four other laws.

February 28, 2024

The parliament accepted the principles of all five ethnic bills and appointed an ad-hoc committee to propose a motion to amend for 15 days.

For nearly two decades, many sectors have attempted to assist ethnic groups in preserving their traditional culture and accessing their rights. However, limitations in policies and laws, such as declaring national parks that overlap with the land where these communities live, particularly in forest areas, have impacted their access to rights and way of life.

Even though there were cabinet resolutions regarding the policy to revive the Sea people’s way of life on June 2, 2010, and the policy to revive the Karen way of life on August 3, 2010, to address these issues, these resolutions were not as powerful as other laws. Furthermore, these resolutions only pertained to 2 ethnic groups, despite Thailand having over 60 ethnic groups with a population of over 6 million.

The draft proposal for all five bills was a crucial starting point for the opportunity to change and promote understanding of identity recognition instead of perpetuating old prejudices that view ethnic groups as obsolete and reliant on assistance. This will unlock the cultural potential of ethnic groups and lead to their empowerment and involvement in the country’s development.

When the House of Representatives accepts the principles in the first reading, it will establish an ad hoc committee to review the Draft Law on the Promotion and Protection of Ethnic Livelihoods in Thailand.