| 1. The total hilltribe population in Thailand is estimated to | | | | Hmong, Lisu and Mien have been influenced by |
| be approximately 1 million | | | | Chinese culture and so share many of the same |
| 2. There are 9 main groups of hilltribes in Thailand; | | | | traditions and beliefs. For example they celebrate New |
| Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien, H'tin, Lisu, Lua and | | | | Year at the same time as the Chinese |
| Khamu, each is made up of sub-groups and clans with | | | | 7. Hilltribes can be divided into lowland or highland |
| different dialects | | | | groups. The highland groups traditionally grew opium |
| 3. The largest group are the Karen who make up | | | | which grows better in higher altitudes. |
| almost half of the total hilltribe population, the Khamu | | | | 8. All are traditionally animists who were later |
| are the smallest group | | | | converted to Christianity and Buddhism through |
| 4. These groups migrated from Southern China, | | | | missionaries and integration into Thai society |
| Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia | | | | 9. Since 1975 any hilltribes born in Thailand are entitled |
| 5. The Karen and Lawa tribes have the longest history | | | | to full Thai citizenship |
| in Northern Thailand with the other groups migrating | | | | 10. Many tribes such as the Akha, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu |
| some 200 years ago | | | | and Mien traditionally grew opium until this was |
| 6. Each group has its own distinct language, culture, | | | | outlawed in 1958. |
| costume and traditions. Some groups such as the | | | | |