Long-neck women in Chiang Rai: culture or exploitation in tourism?

Long-neck women in Chiang Rai: culture or exploitation in tourism?

Today we take a look at the Kayan Lahwi, a fascinating people based in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Known for their flashiness and traditions, the women of this ethnic group make colorful scarves that are popular with tourists. More and more visitors are taking the opportunity to photograph the so-called “Long Neck Karen” and discover the various crafts of the Kayan Lahwi. But behind this tourist attraction lies a complex reality.

Culture in the shadow of commerciality

The Kayan Lahwi, originally from Myanmar, are part of the Tibeto-Burman Red Karen ethnic minority. This group does not recognize the term “Padaung” and simply refer to themselves as Kayan. Due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which began with the military coup in 2021, many Kayan Lahwi have fled to Thailand. Here, however, they struggle with a difficult legal status that threatens their rights and way of life. How People's voice reports, Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch highlights that Thailand has a responsibility to protect the rights of these people.

With an entrance fee of 300 Thai Baht, around 8 euros, visiting the villages contributes to the economic support of the “Union of Hill Tribes”. Under the pressure of commercialization, the question remains whether visiting tourists respects or exploits Kayan Lahwi culture. Some visitors find the experiences uncomfortable, while others find them enriching.

The tradition of neck rings

A central feature of the Kayan Lahwi is the characteristic brass rings that are worn around the women's necks. These rings create the illusion of an elongated neck and attract a lot of attention. However, it is important to emphasize that the weight of the rings actually has an effect on the body; X-rays show that they depress the shoulders and chest. Girls start wearing rings at the age of five, and this tradition continues until the age of 45. Some rings weigh up to 20 kilograms in places and are closed so tightly that they cannot be easily removed.

Historically, this custom may have originally served to protect women from kidnapping or tiger bites. In Thailand, it is increasingly common for almost all girls in Kayan villages to wear these rings as an ideal of beauty. Interestingly, the myth that removing the rings would lead to serious injuries has long been debunked.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite their cultural strength and identity, the Kayan Lahwi face significant challenges, especially in a fast-moving world. While tourism has created new economic opportunities, it has also brought with it the risk of cultural exploitation and misrepresentation. The Kayan have a close-knit community structure where generations live under one roof and traditions are passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Still, some younger women have already begun removing their rings to pursue educational and professional opportunities or to protest cultural exploitation.

The Kayan Lahwi, whose creation stories and traditions date back to the Bronze Age, find themselves in a dilemma: trying to maintain their cultural integrity while meeting the demands of a changing world. Loud Connolly Cove They must find a balance between their centuries-old tradition and the need for economic development.

How the Kayan Lahwi community will evolve remains to be seen, but what is certain is that their unique traditions and the stories of the women who carry them will continue to be an important part of the culture in Thailand.