Hill Area Communities in Chiang Rai: Past, Present and Future
A 4-day, 3-night excursion to Chiang Rai. Organized in partnership with local foundations and community leaders, this trip is designed to give participants insight to the culture, way of life, and aspirations of upland peoples in one of Thailand’s most ethnically diverse and ecologically important regions. Guiding us through this learning journey will be several renowned social activists and community leaders.
Trip Outline:
July 15: Depart Chiang Mai, visit Huay Hin Lad Nai, home of Preecha Siri; check into The Legend
July 16: Presentation by Tuenjai Deetes, excursion to Akha and Lisu villages where Foundation is active
July 17: Visit Ban Kwae Wua Dam, a Karen village on the Kok River
July 18: Check out of The Legend. Join the people of Chiang Rai for the annual Waisa Mae Fah Luang and the MFL Arts and Cultural Center. Return to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai has been an important center of commercial and cultural exchange for centuries. In modern times, issues of identity, citizenship and representation are at the foundation of cultural, economic and educational development.
Tuenjai Deetes
Lifelong Learning Payap is teaming up with the Highland Community Development Foundation for this program. The Foundation is led by Tuenjai Deetes, one of Thailand’s most highly respected and accomplished social activists. Tuenjai, who arrived in Chiang Rai in 1973 to teach in the hills, has spent over 50 years working for social and environmental rights. In particular, she has been the driving force for helping Thailand’s highland peoples to obtain Thai citizenship, opening up recognition and opportunity as equal members of society. Her efforts have gained the trust and respect of people throughout the region and across the length and breadth of Thailand. Over the decades, Khun Tuenjai has had the honor of introducing members of Thailand’s Royal Family to these communities, their struggles, and aspirations.
Tuenjai Deetes, photo courtesy of the University of Southern California.
Tuenjai has also received international recognition and acclaim throughout her career. In 1990, she was named as a Fellow for life by Ashoka: Innovators for the Public. In 1994, she was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize.In 1992, she was named to the United Nations Development Program’s Global 500 Roll of Honor. In 2008, she was recognized by the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation.
Tuenjai has also been an influential voice in the Thai government. In 2000, she was elected to the Senate to represent Chiang Rai, and has also served as a member of the National Legislative Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission. In these roles, her work contributed to the amendment of the 1972 Nationality Law and the Civil Registration Law in 2008, facilitating Thai citizenship for approximately 90,000 stateless people
This excursion offers a rare opportunity for members of Chiang Mai’s international community to meet and learn directly from Thailand’ leading civil-society practitioner on issues that are central to the well-being of people and nature in Chiang Rai.
Preecha Siri, photo courtesy of Chalit Saphapak
Preecha Siri – Local Visionary
Our group will also visit Preecha Siri in his Karen village, Huay Hin Lad Nai. As a community leader, he inspired a commitment to preserve the valuable role of nature in his people’s culture and to share it with others. Preecha was named a UN Hero of the Forest 2012-2013. In 2009, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission bestowed on Preecha the Friendship Award. In 2010, the Network of Community Organizations named him as a recipient of the Servant Award.Finally, on July 18, we will visit the Rai Mae Fah Luang Foundation’s Art and Culture Park, which will open its annual exhibition in commemoration of the late Princess Mother, founder and patron of the Foundation,.
Accommodation
During our time in Chiang Rai, we will stay at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa.
“The Legend Chiang Rai with its ever-changing riverside panorama, secluded and peaceful, yet only a few minutes’ drive from the city center. Enjoy our restaurants, our pool, our herbal spa and fitness center. Explore our tree-shaded pathways, lotus ponds and flower-filled gardens.”
Excursion cost
Register now, pay by July 1
COST: 14,500 THB
Twin sharing room
COST:18,500 THB
Single room
(includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, insurance, and contributions to host foundations and communities)
Lecture in Chiang Mai June 18.
Get a preview of the trip, learn about our hosts, and why this is a unique and valuable opportunity to learn about social challenges and solutions in Chiang Rai.
350 THB
(free for those who have already paid to join the excursion)