Hill Tribes and Tourism Development

Trekking and visits to ethnic minority villages in Northern Thailand grew in popularity throughout the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Independent travelers to mountainous regions fortunate enough to have been welcomed into these communities experienced the vigor of traditional cultures living in harmony with pristine environments. As the tales of these adventurous few became known the numbers of tourists to these areas grew.

Glimpses of life in a traditional village.

After several decades of tourism growth it is now unfortunately possible to encounter decimated communities to which the tourists have stopped coming. In pursuit of the alluring tourism dollar, the young migrate to cities where due to limited education and skills are vulnerable to prostitution and poverty. Back in the ‘picture postcard hill tribe village’ remain the elderly looking after the small children. The former way of life slips away and visitors are greeted by children with hands outstretched begging or demanding ‘money for photo’ while women try to sell ‘ethnic souvenirs’ that look mass produced.

In response non-governmental organizations (NGO) and responsible tour operators that have set up projects to reverse the deteriorating situation. These create a tourism product managed by the community for the benefit of the community.

One such project is The Community-Based Tourism Development Project at the Akha hill tribe village of Ban Lorcha in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Ban Lorcha was established in cooperation with the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). Operating throughout rural Thailand, PDA's programs expound the belief that local people are best suited to shape and sustain their own development - not only as beneficiaries but also as planners, managers and leaders.

Ban Lorcha is an Akha hill tribe categorized in the high hill geographical group. They practice upland agriculture and migrated to Thailand from Myanmar, Laos and Southern China. Living in relative cultural isolation and with distinctive linguistic and cultural background, Akha people have lacked a sense of national identity.

Traditionally the Akha believe that humans and spirits originally lived together in an idealistic relationship. People tilled their fields during the daytime while the spirits tilled theirs during the night. Trouble broke out though when the spirits began to steal chicken eggs from the people, and people began to steal cucumbers from the spirits. As the conflict grew it was finally decided that they should separate – people living in villages and spirits living in the forest. In order to provide a clear demarcation between human and spirit worlds it was decided that ‘village gates’ (law kah) should be erected at upper and lower ends of Akha villages. Visitors should not touch these gates or anything related to them.

The Akha women are well known for their decorative headdress of beads, feather and silver ornaments. A ‘swing festival’ is perhaps the best known of the Akha ceremonies and takes place during the quiet periods between planting to harvest. The Akha are animist with a strong emphasis on ancestral worship.

Hand stitched with pride by the Ban Lorcha tour guide

In exchange for a modest entrance fee, visitors receive a full guided-tour of the community with villagers demonstrating daily activities. The entrance fee pays for development costs, maintenance and operating expenses. Villagers take turns working at the various jobs and receive a daily wage set by the village committee. They can also produce handicrafts to sell in the community shop. A percentage of all profits are deposited into a village development fund to assist orphans, widows and the elderly.

Unfortunately, the entrance fee had an immediate, unanticipated negative effect causing some tour companies to switch to other villages. They did not understand why they should pay for what can be had for free. However, there were some tour companies that saw the benefit of such a program and have continued to visit the village. It is felt that such companies typically have clients who will appreciate the experience. PDA optimistically maintains quality rather than quantity is preferred.

There is another unfortunate, yet prevalent situation at other larger commercial tourist attractions that also charge entrance fees – paying a commission to the guide to ensure they bring their clients to the attraction. This happens at some of the ‘so called’ cultural theme parks that display hill tribe cultures.

No commissions are paid from Ban Lorcha entrance fees to tour guides or agents.

The tour starts with an orientation to the village, its history and the make up of the villagers. Some of the issues facing hill tribes are touched upon but not explained in depth. The importance of the traditional culture and beliefs are explained and the do’s and don’ts during the visit.

Tour orientation and village introduction

One draw back is that village guides do not speak English so that non-Thai speaking visitors must be accompanied by a bi-lingual tour guide – this greatly limits the number of independent travelers visiting the village.

Throughout the tour route well placed, clearly written notice boards explain the most important aspects of the tour. Included are cultural and historical points and advice on how to behave. These are all written in English.

Safe walking paths have been constructed throughout the village. These are generally not muddy in the rainy season and have protective hand rails where necessary. All materials are of local origin constructed by villagers.

In all activities guests are encouraged to participate and join when possible.

guest are encouraged to join in and the visits provide economic incentive to continue aspects of traditional lifestyles

At the end of the tour guests and hosts feel like they have come to know each other. The visits further provide the economic incentive to continue aspects of traditional lifestyle. This is important as Ban Lorcha’s traditional values and beliefs are under constant pressure. This is partly due to changing pattern of economic activities, growing acceptance of Thai language instruction in schools, and exposure to other religions like Buddhism and Christianity.

Although it is hoped responsible tourism can lift the villagers out of poverty the paradox of development is ever present. How do we preserve and protect the authenticity of the cultures for the tourists’ experience – yet raise the standard of the villagers living without devaluing the tourism product? Ultimately that is a question the villagers of Ban Lorcha will have to answer.

For more information on Ban Lorcha please contact:

PDA-Chiang Rai
620/25 Thanalai Road, A. Muang
Chiang Rai 57000
Thailand
Tel: (+6653) 719167
Email: crpda@hotmail.com Website: http://www.pda.or.th/chiangrai