HILL PEOPLE OF NORTHERN THAILAND; SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Although numerous development programs, many attempting to introduce new cash crops as substitutes for opium poppies, have been introduced since 1970, the basic circumstances of the hill people remain unchanged. A nutrition survey in Chiang Mai showed that highland children are almost 50% deficient in protein. The average percent of hill people with no education is 76%, compared to the national average of 26%. Furthermore, 41% of the hill people have no ability in the Thai language. The purpose of this study, which was based on a study of documentary materials, interviews with various Thai government officials, and field studies, is to provide background information to be used in designing development projects for the hill people, especially a proposed Hilltribe Integrated Rural Development (HIRD) Project. This report consists of four parts: (1) a summary of findings and recommendations; (2) a brief characterization of the various hill people and a discussion of Thai government policy toward them; (3) an analysis of the dynamics of change in Northern Thailand; and (4) a survey of current socioeconomic conditions among the hill people. The authors conclude that the potential for successful socieconomic development programs does exist. Considerable social and economic change has already occurred -- e.g., village isolation is breaking down, more hill people have begun to participate in the market economy, and some new career opportunities are opening up. The authors recommend that USAID/Thailand formulate programs to improve the hill peoples" standard of living and to provide them with greater occupational opportunities. They also recommend that USAID support existing Thai education and health programs directed at the hill people and implement the proposed HIRD Project as a model socioeconomic development scheme. Included are appendices on Northern Thailand"s physical environment and on its social, economic, political, and religious systems; the population and nutritional status of hill people; a case study of a special education school established for them; and a bibliography (70 entries, 1876-1978).