Do you know that there are 70 ethnic groups residing in Thailand making the culture of this country more diverse? Ethnic groups play a great part in the formation of Thailand's vibrant culture. One of the main ethnic groups is Thai. As related to this major ethnicity, the official language of Thailand is Thai. Approximately 20 million people in the country speak this language. Different ethnic groups living in this country live in harmony making the country peaceful.

Thailand is a beautiful country and approximately 25 million to 30 million people visit this country every year. If you are planning your trip to Thailand, then Thai translation services can be of great help. With the help of translation services, you can explore the diverse culture of Thailand.

Thai People

In ancient times, Thai people are called Siamese. It is one of the largest ethnic groups residing in Central, Southern, and Northern Thailand. This ethnic group originated from the Guangxi province of China. Because of political disputes, they migrated to Thailand. When they came, they settled in Chao Phraya Valley and come up with Khmer Empire. The other two powerful empires in Thailand are Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. These empires played a vital role in the flourishing of this ethnicity.

You will be amazed to know that Thai ethnicity does not exist till the 20th century because they were ruled by King Rama VI of the Chakri dynasty. After the end of the monarchy in 1932, a new concept of nationalism was formed that resulted in the policy of Thaification for the Thai people and promoted their culture.

Karen

Karen is the hill ethnic group residing in Thailand. The population of this ethnic group is approximately 1 million. They came into existence from Tibet, the South side of Myanmar, and Northern Thailand. At present, this group is residing along with the areas of the Thai-Myanmar border which includes the areas of central Thailand, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son.

The Karen Ethnic group which is residing in Thailand called themselves Pakanyor. They are divided into 4 sub-groups which are

• Pa-O
• Kayah
• Sgaw is called white Karen
• Po is called Red Karen

These subgroups speak some of the world's sweetest languages and follow their culture. These languages have different dialects which are unintelligible that keep the beauty of their dialects.

Karen Long Neck

The most fascinating tribe in Thailand is the Karen Long Neck tribe. They are called the long-neck tribe because the tall women of this tribe wear coils around their necks. They are part of Red Karen and they are also known as Kayan Lawhi. Their home place was Shan State and Kayah State in Myanmar. However, political turmoil in Burma made them take refuge in Thailand. This was the story of the Karen long-neck villages in Thailand.

Hmong

Hmong is another ethnic hill tribe. This ethnic group is residing in Northern Laos, Northern Vietnam, and the Northern part of Thailand. If you get a chance to travel around these areas then you will come across this group. Approximately, one hundred and twenty-five thousand Hmong people are living in Thailand. Hmong translation services can be of great help to you in communicating with this ethnic group.

The Hmong ethnic group is sub-divided according to their different characteristics especially, their dress varies according to their sub-groups. Their names are also changed according to the country and region in which they are residing. Ethnologists have played a great role in their differentiation. For instance, Blue Hmong in Thailand looks different from Blue Hmong in Vietnam. In Laos, they are called Green Hmong.

Laotian

The Lao is an ethnic group that came into existence from China. This ethnic group is closely related to the Isan people that live in the Northern part of Thailand with proximity to the Lao border. Lao culture is preserved because of the isolation of the country. The Isan region is the largest in Thailand. Many ethnic groups reside in this region such as Lao, Vietnamese, Mon, Kymer, and Cham. However, the culture of Lao is more famous. It was alarming for the central government. Therefore, they use the concept of Thaification so that multi-ethnic Isan people can connect to Thailand.

At present, this region is more urbanized and Lao people have returned to the Isan region. This has developed the interest of Thai people in Lao culture and developed a healthy relationship between both ethnicities.

Conclusion

Thailand is a beautiful country. The different ethnic groups living in Thailand have made the culture of this country more diverse. Thai is the largest ethnic group living in the country. The other ethnic groups are Karen, Hmong, and Laotian. These ethnic groups are recognized for their different characteristics. The fascinating ethnic group is Karen Long Neck. In this group, tall women wear coils around their necks. Which ethnic group do you find the most interesting?

To understand the diverse culture and ethnicities of Thailand, you must take assistance from Thai translations. Are you ready to explore the diverse culture and ethnicities of Thailand?

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