Hill Area Communities in Chiang Rai: Past, Present, and Future
A 4-day, 3-night excursion to Chiang Rai was organized in partnership with local foundations and community leaders. This trip was designed to give participants insight into the culture, way of life, and aspirations of upland peoples in one of Thailand’s most ethnically diverse and ecologically important regions. Guiding the participants through this learning journey were several renowned social activists and community leaders.
Trip Outline:
July 15: Departed Chiang Mai and visited Huay Hin Lad Nai, home of Preecha Siri; checked into The Legend
July 16: Presentation by Tuenjai Deetes, followed by an excursion to Akha and Lisu villages where the Foundation was active
July 17: Visited Ban Kwae Wua Dam, a Karen village on the Kok River
July 18: Checked out of The Legend. Joined the people of Chiang Rai for the annual Waisa Mae Fah Luang and the MFL Arts and Cultural Center. Returned 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 have been at the foundation of cultural, economic, and educational development.
Tuenjai Deetes
Lifelong Learning Payap teamed up with the Highland Community Development Foundation for this program. The Foundation was 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, spent over 50 years working for social and environmental rights. In particular, she was the driving force behind helping Thailand’s highland peoples obtain Thai citizenship, opening up recognition and opportunity as equal members of society. Her efforts gained the trust and respect of people throughout the region and across Thailand. Over the decades, Khun Tuenjai 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 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 also became an influential voice in the Thai government. In 2000, she was elected to the Senate to represent Chiang Rai, and 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 offered a rare opportunity for members of Chiang Mai’s international community to meet and learn directly from Thailand’s leading civil-society practitioner on issues that were central to the well-being of people and nature in Chiang Rai
Preecha Siri, photo courtesy of Chalit Saphapak
Preecha Siri – Local Visionary
The group also visited 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 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, they visited the Rai Mae Fah Luang Foundation’s Art and Culture Park, which opened its annual exhibition in commemoration of the late Princess Mother, founder and patron of the Foundation.
Accommodation
During their time in Chiang Rai, they stayed 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.”
A lecture in Chiang Mai was held on June 18 to give a preview of the trip, provide information about the hosts, and explain why this was a unique and valuable opportunity to learn about social challenges and solutions in Chiang Rai.
