Border Dwellers
Ethnic hill tribes inhabit the border regions of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan in southern China. Some originate from around these regions, while others have migrated from northern China and Tibet over the last two or three centuries. Many communities straddle the borders of the modern states, and villagers cross to and fro, often at will, but these days with increasing regulation.

Many Tribes
The exact number of hill tribes in Thailand is unknown. Some authorities put the figure at anything up to twenty, not counting the numerous subgroups. Rough estimates of the total hill tribe population stand at half a million. Many ethnic groups in Myanmar have been in armed rebellion against the military dictatorship there for many years. Dry season offensives by the Burmese government swell the numbers of hill tribe refugees in Thailand every year.

Customs
The largest hill tribes in Thailand are the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu, with smaller numbers of Kayah and Karenni. Their religions include Buddhism, Christianity and various types of animism with ancestor worship. Customs vary from tribe to tribe; some are monogamous and others allow polygamy. Their languages differ greatly, although most belong to one of three main linguistic groups: Tibeto-Myanmarn, Austro-Thai and Karenic. Each tribe has its own unique and distinct clothing; usually colorful woven fabrics, and some with elaborate headgear – especially the Akha and Mien. Agriculture, including opium, is the foremost economy of the hill tribes, but logging and gems also provide much of their livelihood.