North Thailand People

• There are more than 16 different ethnic groups in North Thailand. Within these there are common differences and common similarities in some cases. For example with land usage [ highlanders, swidden farmers and wet rice producers ], religions or mythology groups and ethnic origins.
• Traditionally they are classified by their linguistic origins. The dominant ethnic group today are the Tai speakers, the Tai Yuan [ Khon Muang ], the Tai Yai [ Shan ], Tai Lue, Tai Khun and Tai Yong. The Tai tribes originally came from South West China.
• The original inhabitants since the metal Ages were the Austroasians [ the Austro-Asiatic speakers ] and this includes, the Mon, the Lawa, the H 'tin, Kammu and Khon Pa tribes [ including the Mlabri ].
• The Karen speakers came from Burma [ Myanmar ]. The Tibeto-Burman speakers originated in Tibet and in Thailand they include, the Lisu, the Akha and the Lahu. The Haw also came from Yunnan [ but with Turkic ancestors ] and are Sinitic speakers. The Hmong and the Yao tribes also came from China and are Meo - Yao speakers.

Distribution of Ethnic Peoples In North Thailand

• The Khon Muang [ Tai Yuan ] dominate Upper North and also reside in the provinces of Sukhothai, Tak and Uttaradit. Significant numbers of Karen, Akha. Lahu, Yao, Lisu and Hmong also reside in 6 of the Lower North provinces [ well as Upper North ]. The Siamese Tai dominate Lower North.

Differences Apart From Language

• Other differences apart from language differences one can make other distinguishing classifications such as religion, sedentary or non sedentary lifestyles and non political and politically hierarchically conscious communities.
• The Tai speakers are Theranada Buddhists, live sedentary lifestyles, are politically and hierarchically conscious and are dwellers of the lowlands and live in irrigated rice farming communities.
• The non Tai groups are non sedentary, not politically centralized nor accepting of hierarchy.
• The Haw are Muslims, the others are animists of which the Yao also have Taoist beliefs and many Karen are Christians.