Q&A
Q: What are the differences between “hill tribe,” “minority” and “ethnic group?”
A: An ethnic group was onced referred to as “hill tribe” or “minority” indicating their cultural differences from the majority of Thailand nationals. According to an official document issued by the Office of Central Civil-Registration, “a hill tribe refers to a group of people whose habitations are mountainous and hilly areas and whose verbal languages as well as cultural traits differ from the majority of the Thai people,” whereas “a minority refers to a group of the non-Thai people having less population than the population of the nationals and varying in their cultures. The minorities are to be found living in the many areas of Thailand comprising local minorities such as hill tribes, refugees or temporary immigrants.”
So far, scholars have proposed the use of the term “ethnic group” in referring to a group of people with a unique culture in order that culturally insulting implications are avoided and ethnicity is better understood. Also, the term suggests cultural existence, identity as well as relationship between groups. For more information, please read the article “Ethnic Classification: Problems and Suggestions” by Asst. Prof. Chavivan Prachuabmoh.
Q: How many ethnic groups are there in Thailand?
A: Several criteria are adopted to classify ethnicities such as linguistic family and ethnic identity, which is applied in this database.
Based on surveys, studies and researches, it reveals that there are up to sixty-two ethnic groups across Thailand. It should be noted that ethnic classification should be done with flexibility and be subject to change since ethnicity is historically, socially, culturally and politically dynamic.
Q: Why has Yao, a name of an ethnic group, been changed to Mien?
A: Yao is the name used by outsiders whereas members of the group call themselves Mien. Thus, there has been a change in the naming according to how the members refer to themselves. Another similar case is that of the Ikaw Ikor or Meo which are the names, called by outsiders, suggesting insulting implications. As a result, Akha and Hmong, as called by ethnic members themselves are adopted instead.
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