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How to Avoid Unethical Tours to Thai Hillside Villages

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Northern Thailand has seen a rise in tourism and those interested in viewing one of many colourful hill tribes in Thailand. Unfortunately, some organisations are exploiting the Thai tribal peoples for their own financial gain. As an example, some women of the Paduang culture, known as the long-necked women, have been imprisoned by businessmen who put them on display for tourists.

Unethical tourism has allowed for financial gain of foreign operators rather than local communities, thus increasing povery for tribal peoples. Many villages in Thailand have been adjusted by businessmen to capitalise on tourism, without any benefit going to the locals. These contrived villages charge an entrance feel with no profits going to the community. Consequently, many Thai hill tribes stay in poverty while big businesses profit.

Fortunately, some companies offering holidays to Thailand and local touring organisations are aware of the issues and are working to enable unobtrusive ethical hill tribe visits which have a positive impact on the community.

A few tips to help your holiday to northern Thailand doesn’t have a negative impact on local cultures:

Inquire before booking a village tour: Find out how operators feel about villagers. Uncover where souvenirs have derived from. Enquire as to whether an entrance fee is required for the village.

Pay fair and purchase locally sourced products: Try to buy souvenirs from local village people. Don’t bargain down to nothing. A few baht may seem minimal to you, but is the villagers livelihood.

Ask prior to taking any photos (employ body language or seek assistance help from a guide or bilingual local): Seeking permission helps creates respect and reduces the likelihood of victimisation.

Do not encourage begging: Do not give to individuals in gifts or money. If interested in making a contribution, ensure you do so through proper channels.

Stay locally: Many ethical tour companies now offer opportunities for hill tribe homestays for an unrivaled opportunity to experience life in a thai village. Authentic village homstays help encourage positive cultural awareness which can help preserve tribal cultures by demonstrating foreign interest.

Bear these tips in mind as you enjoy your Thai holiday, gaining an appreciation of tribal culture without unintentionally contributing to exploitative practices.


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