The Karen Hill tribes in Thailand are among the most prominent and culturally diverse ethnic groups in the country. Known for their unique traditions, deep connection to nature, and intricate craftsmanship, the Karen have a rich history in Southeast Asia. In this article, we will explore who the Karen people are, delve into their history, and share fascinating insights about this remarkable ethnic group.
Who are the Karen People
The Karen people are believed to have migrated from Tibet or China centuries ago, though the exact timing is debated (Many believe that it was between the 12th and the 16th Century). They eventually settled in areas that now include Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, living in the mountainous regions where they could maintain their traditional way of life.
There are nearly nine distinct Karen subgroups in Southeast Asia, but in Thailand, the majority are represented by three main groups: the Pwo Karen, the Sgaw Karen, and the Kayan. Each of these groups speaks its own language and has unique beliefs, religious practices, and cultural traditions. Below is a closer look at each group’s characteristics.
Karen People Subgroups in Thailand
Sgaw Karen
The Sgaw Karen are the largest and most prominent Karen subgroup in Thailand, making up approximately 60% of the Karen population in the country. Their communities are primarily located in the northern and western provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak.
The Sgaw Karen speak the Sgaw Karen language, which is a core element of their cultural identity.
Pwo Karen
The Pwo Karen are the second-largest subgroup of the Karen people in Thailand, making up nearly 30% of the Karen population. They primarily reside in the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak.
They speak the Pwo Karen language, which consists of Eastern and Western dialects. Their spiritual practices are largely rooted in Buddhism, though some Pwo Karen also follow Animism and Christianity.
Kayan (Padaung)
The Kayan (Padaung) Karen, also known as the “Long Neck Karen”, are a distinct subgroup of the Karen people, primarily residing in Mae Hong Son and parts of Chiang Mai provinces in Thailand.
They speak the Kayan language and practice a mix of Animism and Buddhism, with some adhering to Christianity. The Kayan women are famously known for their tradition of wearing brass neck rings, which give the appearance of elongated necks and have become a defining feature of their cultural identity.
Religion
The religion of the Karen people is a rich blend of Animism, Buddhism, and Christianity, reflecting their diverse cultural heritage and historical influences. Traditionally, many Karen followed Animism, which centers on the belief in spirits (known as “nats”) inhabiting natural elements like rivers, trees, and mountains.
Over time, contact with neighboring Buddhist populations in Myanmar and Thailand led to the adoption of Theravada Buddhism among many Karen groups, particularly the Pwo Karen. Buddhism introduced new religious practices, such as temple worship and merit-making, which became integrated with their traditional animist beliefs, creating a syncretic religious culture.
In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries, particularly American Baptists, arrived in the region and began evangelizing the Karen people. One of the most notable figures in this movement was Adoniram Judson, whose missionary work led to a significant portion of the Karen, especially the Sgaw Karen, converting to Christianity.
Karen People and the Elephants
The Karen are the only tribe in Thailand known for owning and working closely with elephants. They have a long-standing history and deep relationship with these animals, historically using them for labor in the forests. The Karen are renowned for their expertise as highly skilled mahouts (elephant handlers), and today, many of the mahouts working in the elephant camps around Chiang Mai are from the Karen hill tribe.
How many Karen People in Thailand?
The Karen people are one of the largest hill tribes in Thailand, with an estimated population of around 1 million. However, the exact number varies depending on the source, as many Karen do not have official citizenship, and some live in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
The number comes from various studies, reports, and assessments from government and non-governmental organizations, such as the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and NGOs working with hill tribes in Thailand like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Hill Tribe Welfare and Development Center.
Where do they live in Thailand
Many travelers believe that the majority of Karen people reside in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, likely because most tourist attractions and cultural villages associated with the Karen are located in these regions. However, this assumption is not entirely accurate. Below is an estimated distribution of the Karen population across Thailand’s provinces. Please note that these figures are approximate and may not represent an exact breakdown due to challenges in obtaining accurate data, such as migration, lack of citizenship, and remote living conditions. These percentages are based on general observations from demographic studies and reports.
- Mae Hong Son Province – 40-45%: Mae Hong Son has the largest Karen population in Thailand, with many villages and refugee camps near the Myanmar border.
- Tak Province – 20-25%: Tak’s Karen population is concentrated around Mae Sot and Umphang, due to its close proximity to Myanmar.
- Chiang Mai Province – 15-20%: Northern Chiang Mai is home to several Karen villages, particularly benefiting from tourism.
- Kanchanaburi Province – 10-15%: Kanchanaburi hosts significant Karen settlements, popular with tourists visiting national parks.
- Chiang Rai Province – 5-10%: Chiang Rai has a smaller Karen population but includes several villages near the Myanmar border.
- Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi Provinces – 5-10%: These provinces host smaller Karen communities, particularly around Suan Phueng and Kaeng Krachan National Park.
Historical background of Karen people in Thailand & Key dates
The Migration of Karen People to Thailand
Karen People moved to the region between the 12th and the 16th century and Thailand has been home to Karen communities for centuries, with the Sgaw Karen and Pwo Karen being the largest subgroups.
However, the influx of Karen refugees began in earnest after the start of the Karen-Burmese conflict in 1949. Many Karen crossed the border to escape persecution by the Burmese military.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Large-scale refugee influx of Karen people into Thailand as the conflict in Myanmar escalated. Refugee camps were established along the border, particularly in provinces like Mae Hong Son and Tak.
In 1984: the Mae La Refugee Camp Was established in Tak Province, one of the largest Karen refugee camps, which still exists today.
Thai Government and Hill Tribes Policy
Historically, the Karen people and other hill tribes in Thailand were marginalized and often lacked Thai citizenship, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and land ownership. The Thai government began formalizing policies regarding hill tribes in the mid-20th century, including citizenship registration efforts.
Karen People today
Today, the Karen in Thailand are split between those living in traditional villages in the highlands and those residing in refugee camps near the Myanmar border. Many Karen have integrated into Thai society, engaging in farming, tourism, and handicraft production, though the issue of statelessness still affects many. The Karen community also remains divided between those who continue to live in Thailand and those fighting for autonomy or fleeing conflict in Myanmar.
If you’re interested in exploring Thailand’s rich hill tribe cultures, including local insights and immersive experiences with the Sgaw, Pwo, and Kayan people, feel free to contact us. We offer tailor-made tours that highlight the best places in Thailand, giving you a unique and authentic journey through the heart of Siam and the Land of Smiles.
