Thailand Ethnic Groups

Thailand Ethnic Groups

The Khmer

Two groups of Khmer could also be distinguished--long-time inhabitants of Thailand and more recent arrivals. By the midfifteenth century, much of the western region of the Khmer Empire had come under the control of Ayutthaya. Many of the Khmer peoples remained in the area that had come under Thai domination. Five centuries later the protracted civil conflict in Cambodia, which began with the overthrow of the Lon Nol regime in 1975 and included the Vietnam-supported overthrow of the Pol Pot regime in 1979, led to the arrival at the Thai-Cambodian border of additional hundreds of thousands of Khmer. Some Khmer had crossed over into Thailand; many others might be expected to do so if several political obstacles were overcome (see The Indochinese Refugee Question , this ch.; Potential External Threats , ch. 5).

Theravada Buddhists and wet-rice cultivators, the Khmer spoke a language of the Mon-Khmer group and were heirs to a long and complex political and cultural tradition. If long-term resident Khmer and Khmer refugees were both included, there were perhaps as many as 600,000 to 800,000 Khmer living in Thailand in the 1980s. Many of the long-resident Khmer were said to speak Thai, sometimes as a first language, and religious and other similarities contributed over time to Thai-Khmer intermarriage and to Khmer assimilation into Thai society. Newly arrived Khmer, however, were not yet assimilated

The Mon

Perhaps the first Theravada Buddhists in Southeast Asia, and the founders in the seventh century of the kingdom of Haripunjaya near present-day Chiang Mai, the Mon greatly influenced the development of Thai culture. Mon architecture dotted the North, where a number of temples were still inhabited by Mon monks in the 1980s. The Mon, also known as Raman or Tailaing, migrated from Burma during the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. They were welcomed by the Chakkri rulers, and their religious discipline helped inspire the reforms made by King Mongkut (Rama IV, reigned 1851-68). The Mon who settled chiefly in the North and the central plain, e.g., at Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Uthai Thani, and Ratchaburi, generally were wet-rice farmers who also had specialized skills such as pottery-making. They maintained a social organization similar to that of the Thai and other lowland cultures. Their villages were governed by Mon headmen, who in turn were responsible to district and provincial officers of Mon ancestry. Although their language was related to Khmer, the Mon incorporated a large number of Thai words into their vocabulary. Moreover, language differences became less important as Mon children, educated in Thai schools, learned Central Thai. In the 1980s, some Mon still used their own language in certain contexts, but few did not know Thai. In general, the Mon were more integrated into Thai society than any other non-Thai group.

The Vietnamese

In the mid-1970s, the number of Vietnamese in Thailand was estimated at between 60,000 and 70,000, most of them in the Northeast. Three broad categories of Vietnamese were in the country. The first were the descendants of persons who fled from political upheaval and persecution during the precolonial era in the late eighteenth century and through much of the nineteenth century. Most of them settled either in Bangkok or in the area southeast of it, and many of their descendants were absorbed into Thai society, although some still lived in villages that were identifiably Vietnamese. Many who came in the nineteenth century were refugees from anti-Catholic persecution by rulers in Cochinchina (southern Vietnam, around the Mekong Delta) before the French established political control over that area. The second category consisted of persons who opposed the establishment of French domination over all Vietnam in 1884 and presumably expected their stay in Thailand to be short. With some exceptions, however, their descendants and those of other Vietnamese who came to Thailand in the first decades of the twentieth century remained. The earliest arrivals in this category, like their predecessors, mostly came to southeast Thailand. Later immigrants tended to go to the Northeast. The third category included those who fled from Vietnam between the end of World War II in 1945 and the consolidation of North Vietnamese rule over all of Vietnam in 1975. For those who came after the Second Indochina War had ended, Thailand was simply a way station en route to somewhere else, usually the United States.

Most of the 40,000 to 50,000 Vietnamese who came in 1946 and shortly thereafter were driven from Laos by the French, who were then reimposing their rule over all of Indochina. More Vietnamese came later, and, like those who came in the 1920s and 1930s, they expected to return to Vietnam. Between 1958 and 1964 (when the intensification of the war in Vietnam inhibited their return), arrangements were made for the repatriation of Vietnamese to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), and an estimated 40,000 left Thailand. Over the years a few families went to the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The movements of this period, both voluntary and involuntary, left between 60,000 and 70,000 Vietnamese in Thailand, an undetermined portion of which were post-World War II migrants who could not or would not return to their homeland.

The Chinese

The largest number of non-Tai peoples were the Chinese. In 1987 an estimated 11 percent of the total Thai population, or about 6 million people, were of Chinese origin, which meant that Thailand had the largest Chinese population in Southeast Asia. Assimilation of the various Chinese communities was a continuing process. Chinese were encouraged to become Thai citizens, and in 1970 it was estimated that more than 90 percent of the Chinese born in Thailand had done so. When diplomatic relations were established with China in the 1970s, resident Chinese not born in Thailand had the option of becoming Thai citizens; the remaining permanent Chinese alien population was estimated at fewer than 200,000.

Given their historic role as middlemen, Chinese were found everywhere in Thailand, particularly in the towns. There was, however, a major concentration in the Bangkok metropolitan area and another in the central part of peninsular Thailand, where many Chinese were engaged in several capacities in the tin mines and on the rubber plantations. Although many Chinese played an important part in the ownership and management of economic enterprises and in the professions, a substantial portion had less lucrative and significant occupations (see National and Urban Structures: Class and Status , this ch.).

Except for a minority, the Chinese not only were Thai nationals but also had, in some respects at least, assimilated into Thai society; many spoke Thai as well as they spoke Chinese. Most of the descendants of pretwentieth-century immigrants and those people of mixed Chinese-Thai ancestry (the so-called Sino-Thai--see Glossary) were so fully integrated into Thai society that they were not included in the Chinese population estimates.

The accommodation between Thai and Chinese historically depended in part on the changing economic and political interests and perspectives of the Thai monarchs and others in the ruling group. Also relevant were the roles assigned to the Chinese at various times, e.g., in the nineteenth century, that of tax farmers. Under the tax farming system, private individuals were sold the right to collect taxes at a price below the actual value of the taxes. The barriers between Thai and Chinese became more rigid in the early twentieth century with the emergence of Thai and Chinese nationalism and also the increased tendency of Chinese females to accompany male immigrants, which reduced the amount of intermarriage. Consequently, despite a level of Chinese integration in the host society surpassing that found elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the Chinese remained a separate ethnic community, although the boundaries became less defined in the more mobile post-World War II society. The Chinese spoke a number of southern Chinese dialects, the most important being Teochiu, which was used by most Chinese as a commercial lingua franca.

The South Asians

In 1979 the Ministry of Interior estimated that there were 60,000 Hindus and Sikhs in Thailand (0.13 percent of the total population). Small South Asian trading communities in southern Thailand were noted in a ninth-century Tamil inscription. In addition to being trade centers, these early Indian communities served as a conduit for Indian culture and political theory, especially during the Ayutthayan period. The modern South Asian community, however, was largely apolitical and attempted to blend into Thai society, its members working as tailors, night watchmen, and textile merchants.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN JAGUARS

The jaguar is the Western Hemisphere's most powerful and largest wildcat, even larger than the leopard. The jaguar is a magnificent animal with a multiple colored coat although typically, this animal has a brown/yellow coat with black spots although a few are white. The adult male can reach between four and seven feet in length, not counting the tail, which can measure an additional 17 to 30 inches and approximately three feet tall. A full-grown jaguar can easily weigh as much as 300 pounds, making it a fierce competitor.

With a body consisting of heavy muscled shoulders and forearms, the jaguar is capable of finding and capturing prey. The head is huge, the legs thick and long, and the hind legs are flexible and strong for climbing. Each of the front paws has long claws that retract, which is also used for climbing and holding onto prey. The tongue is similar to that of a standard housecat, so rough it can actually peel skin off the prey's flesh and meat from the bones. Interestingly, while the jaguar is strong and built for endurance, it also has a soft, loose underbelly that when kicked by other animals, does little, if any injury.

Jaguars are found in the United States to include Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, along with Asia and Africa. However, jaguars are also common in both Central and South America, particularly in the rainforests. One of the most spectacular of all jaguars is the black species that can be found in South America. This particular animal likes to live in lowlands, tropical rainforests, or swampy areas. On occasion, you will also find jaguars in grasslands and forests, generally around lakes, rivers, marshland, in caves, or under rocky ledges, and sometimes, in shrubbery. However, wherever jaguars live, they prefer the ground to be soft, often using things like leaves to rest on.

While some cats such as lions live in families or packs, jaguars tend to be loners. In fact, they become exceptionally protective over their territory, not wanting any other animal to come near their den. The behavior of the jaguar is fierce, in fact being the fiercest of all cats. As outstanding hunters and swimmers, this cat will find food both on land and in the water. When on land, they will often stay hidden in the shadows, watching and stalking prey. As other animals stop by the water's edge to drink, the jaguar will quickly pounce and devour.

In all, about 80 different animals are the jaguar's prey. For example, they often feed off cattle, making them a threat to ranchers, as well as rodents, sheep, birds, deer, turtles, tapir, fish, armadillos, wild pig, iguana, capybaras, and even crocodiles. Jaguars are even known to hide tall in rainforest trees where they prey on monkeys. Even with such a great appetite and variety of food supply, it is rare for a jaguar to attack a human. While there have been some reported instances, again, this is very uncommon.

When jaguars live in the rainforest, they will generally mate any time of year whereas when in other regions, they mate only late in the year. During the mating and pregnancy season, the male and female will cohabitate. The female will remain pregnant 95 to 110 days at which time she will have a litter of one to four cubs. Weighing just two pounds or so, the cubs will not reach maturity until age three for females and age four for males. Regardless, both the male and female jaguar lives about 20 years.

While the babies are growing up, the male jaguar will remain with the female, teaching them to hunt, defend themselves, find shelter, and all the necessary life lessons. The mother's role is to feed the cubs and to help them hunt during the first two years of life. Sadly, jaguars are hunted in Central and South America for a number of reasons. Sometimes, they are hunted to protect cattle, sometimes for sport, and sometimes for the beautiful hide, which has great demands. While poaching of these fine animals continues today, it is not as bad as it once was. When in Central or South America, perhaps you will be fortunate to see one of these amazing and beautiful animals up close.

Coffee of Mexico and Guatemala

Today, coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the globe. In this article, we want to provide information specific to coffee grown in Mexico and Guatemala. Most Mexican coffee comes from the southern region of the country. There, the area narrows, turning to the east. In Vera Cruz State on the gulf side of the mountain range is where lowland coffee is produced. However, highland coffee, known as Altura Coatepec comes from the mountain region with the same name.

Now, Mexico coffees that come from the southern slopes of the central mountain range are found in Oaxaca State. These coffees are among the finest anywhere. Then, you have Chiapas State coffees grown in the mountains region of the southeastern most corner of the country close to Guatemala. This coffee is usually marketed under the name of Tapachula, again from the city of Tapachula. Although you can buy Mexican coffee from a number of places, it is common to find it sold in specialty stores from Chiapas or Oaxaca.

The thing about coffee from Mexico is that it lacks body and richness. Even so, Mexican coffee has a light, delicate taste that is pleasantly dry. Therefore, if you prefer black coffee that is slightly acidic and light, Mexican coffee would be the ideal choice. Mexican coffee was first planted in the country in the early 18th century. With a nutty tone and overtone of chocolate, it is truly a favorite for many people.

Now, you have Guatemalan coffee that is known for producing some of the finest coffee with a wonderful, distinct flavor. The primary region is Antigua, countryside just west of Coban, the old capital city. While Antigua coffee is the most famous, you will find a number of specialty roasters that are almost as good. For Guatemala coffee, there are grades. For instance, the highest grade is the hard bean, which means the coffee was grown at 4,500 feet above sea level or more. Some of the best-known coffee estates in Guatemala include San Miguel, Los Volcanos, and San Sebastian.

What you will notice with Guatemalan coffee is the spicy yet smoke flavor that makes this coffee so unique. Guatemalan coffee is typically very acidic, ranging in body from medium to full. Therefore, if you enjoy a good, bold cup of java that has a smoky, distinct flavor, you will love Guatemalan coffee. The best names are marketed again as Antigua, along with Coban and Huehuetenango. The best Guatemalan coffees are produced using what is known as the wet process.

First introduced in mid-18th century by Jesuit missionaires, the industry continued to grow and evolve well after 1869 at which time German immigrants settled there. At that time, approximately 25% of the total population of Guatemala was making a living in the coffee industry. In fact, 70% of the country's exports were coffee. Although today, exports are just 35%, Guatemalan coffee is still incredible good.

TAQUILE - THE ISLAND OF WEAVERS

TAQUILE - THE ISLAND OF WEAVERS ON LAKE TITICACA

Nestled more than 12,000 feet above sea level is a place called Lake Titicaca where the Uros civilization lives. Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable lake in the entire world, covering a total of 3,861 square miles. The Uros people use the resources of the lake to live and make floating islands, which are like modern day houseboats made from the lake's reed vegetation.

The lake that borders both Bolivia and Peru is said to be a mystical place, one of ancient civilizations that are blessed with clear waters, good fishing, and fresh fruits. In fact, the Uros Indians are strong believers that they are direct descendents of Inca royalty. Regardless, these people have created homes on the water for centuries. Made from springy layers of reeds, as the "floating island" rots or becomes damaged, the layers can simply be replaced.

You will even find the Uros floating on the water during heavy rainfalls and fishing in their carefully crafted boats. Some of the designs are so large and impressive, entire families live onboard. Interestingly, some of the Uros people still who refuse to go inland where there is land population n fear of bringing back disease. Instead, they will choose remote areas of the island if they want to hunt for and trap food. Without doubt, their life is a very fascinating and often misunderstood.

As you travel on the lake, you will come across two specific islands, once called Amantani and the other, Taquile. The island of Amantani offers life without electricity, running water, or any type of modern structure, offering a true example of what life for pre-Colonial Andean Peruvians would be like. On the island of Taquile, you still find natives using ancient weaving techniques for making all types of things such as beautiful and colorful clothing.

On the island of Amantani, the basket weavers make a living by producing magnificent pieces from the natural resources of the island, as well as the lake. For the island of Taquile, which translates to the "Island of the Weavers", you can experience the culture of this civilization for as little as $1 a day when staying with a hosted, local family.

Another option for experiencing some of the Taquile and Amantani weavers up close is to take a day tour where you will be impressed by the hospitable people and the comfortable accommodations. In fact, you can spend as little as $15 a day going from one lakeside community and island to another.