Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018

The Study of Economic, Social and Cultural Adaptation as a way of Life of Hmong Ethnic Along North South Economic Corridor in Chiang Khong District, Chiangrai Province, Thailand

Phithak Rattanasaengsawang International College of Mekong Region Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Thailand.

ABSTRACT construction of the North South The objectives of the Economic Corridor, the ways of life of research aimed to study the impact of the Hmong ethnic which has been North South Economic Corridor investigated into 3 aspects; economic, towards the changing economic, social and cultural impacts, has been social and culture of the Hmong ethnic adversely affected both in the past and group residing in Chiang Khong at present with significant difference district, Chiangrai province, Thailand. at 1 percent level. The researcher has selected The economic aspect has 230 household samples out of 532 indicated; (1) there is an exchange of households by employing Taro cultural goods along the borders Yamane (1973 : 125) for sampling which are benefited to trade and selection. The questionnaires and investment, (2) there is an opportunity participant observation were used as a to increase higher family income, (3) there is the gaining of skills and method of data collection. The descriptive statistics for analyzing the experiences in livelihood data are frequency distribution, performance, (4) there is a change in percentage, mean, standard deviation occupation and production technique. and t-test. The social aspect has The study revealed that the indicated; (1) there is a change in Hmong ethnic group had living pattern, material used for transmigrated to settle in the areas of building and house structure, (2) there Chiang Khong district more than 20 is communication and social mobility years. The main occupation is between the borders for economic and agriculture, some income derived social purpose, (3) there is an from maize, rice farming, gardening, opportunity for education. and cloth sewing. The findings had The cultural aspect has indicated that before and after the indicated; (1) there is a decrease in using local wisdom in health care 42 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 pattern, (2) there is a decrease in from 2008 onward, formulated the desirable behavior and ethnic strategies and action plans (SAPs) for socialization in the family, and (3) EWEC, NSEC, and SEC, and their there is a change and an exchange in implementation thereafter. tradition and tribal culture along the The need to review the borders of Thailand and Lao People’s configuration of EWEC, NSEC, and Democratic Republic. SEC to enhance their contribution to The direction of adaptation GMS development was first raised at of the Hmong ethnic group towards the Fourth Economic Corridor Forum the impact along the path of North (ECF) held in Mandalay, Mayanmar South Economic Corridor which has in June 2012. Discussions at the been evidently observed that there is Seventh ECF held in Kunming, the business networks established for Yunnan,People’s Republic of China value added to the cultural products, (PRC) in June 2015, and the 20th GMS conservation, revitalization and Ministerial Conference held in Nay transmission of tribal identity. The Pyi Taw, Myanmar in September utmost important adaptation is to 2015, also drew attention to the need develop standard of living for quality for such review. Changes in the of life improvement and, more configuration of GMS economic importantly, the increasing in earning corridors respond to the dynamic capability, prevention of diseases, nature of subregional development. security in life and property as well as They will help ensure that future facilitation in the border trades are investment in GMS economic required to look into. corridors are focused on areas with the best potential to become fully functioning economic corridors, thus INTRODUCTION maximizing their contribution to increased income and employment in The greater Mekong Subregion economic corridors have the subregion. evolved in three stages. The first stage, The primary considerations from 1992 to 1997, laid the foundation for including specific routes as part of for the development of the corridors. EWEC, NSEC, and SEC in the current Priority road projects identified during configuration were their potential to this time served as the backbone of the become trade, investment, tourism, GMS economic corridors. The second and transit corridors, and the present stage, from 1998 to 2007, started with of significant sections that can be the adoption of economic corridor developed into hubs for regional approach and the designation of trades, investment, and tourism. In EWEC, NSEC, and SEC as priority reviewing their configuration, the corridors for transportation into primary concern is to ensure that: (i) economic corridors. The third stage, development arising from the opening of Myanmar are taken into account; 43 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018

(ii) corridors include and link all GMS North-South Corridor (NSEC2): capitals and major economic centers; Kunming-Hekou – Hanoi-Hai Phong; (iii) corridors are connected to key North-South Corridor GMS maritime gateways and (Middle Route) starts from Kunming, industrial hubs; and (iv) major trade Yunnan province, China in the north. flows are reflected in the alignment of It is along Kunming-Bangkok Road the corridors. The following Figure 1 (KunMo road in China) to Laos delineated Greater Mekong Subregion passing Yuxi, Simao, Jinghong and Economic Corridors, 2000-2008, Mohan; and along Kunming-Bangkok Figure 2 showing Greater Mekong Road (Lao part) which is built across Subregion Network in Transport Mekong River to Thailand passing Section Strategy, 2006-2015, and Luang Namtha and Houayxay in Figure 3 showing Present which the concerning area of the Configuration of East-West Economic corridor includes Mong La, Corridor, North-South Economic Chiengtung and Tachilek in north-east Corridor, and Southern Economic of Myanmar; within Thailand, the Corridor (Asian Development Bank. corridor goes along Kunming- 2016. Review of Configuration of the Bangkok Road (Thailand part) to the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic terminal Bangkok passing Chiang Rai, Corridors, November 2016, 21st. GMS Chiang Mai, Tak, Chainat and then Ministerial Conference) reach gulf of Thailand by passing From the viewpoint of GMS Bangkok. development as a whole, the use of There are great differences in trade flows as the sole for designating economy among varied industries certain routes as GMS economic along the corridors. Overall, relatively corridors is considered too narrow and speaking, most of areas of China’s inadequate. In some sections of GMS Yunnan Province and Thailand are corridors, trade flows may be limited better, the parts of Laos and part of at present. However cross border Yunnan are weaker. flows of tourism and other types of The Laos Luang Namtha and trade in services such as health and Bokeo province are also the domestic education services are substantial, and remote underdeveloped areas, and the hence need to be taken into account in agriculture natural economy is the delineating GMS economic corridors primary one. such as the establishment of Special Along the corridor, in Economic Zone (SEZs) and Thailand three major economic population distribution along and development zones, namely, (1) around the corridors. Chiang Mai – Lamphun region, (2) Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong region, North-South Economies Corridor and(3) Bangkok – Ayutthaya area. (NSEC1): Kunming-Houayxay Chiang Mai is the second largest city (Tachilek) – Chiang Mai-Bangkok; in Thailand, and the second economic 44 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 center in northern Thailand. It is rich transportation between Chiangrung in mineral resources such as tin, and Chiang Khong. When the 4th. petroleum, lignite, iron, manganese, Friendship Thai – Lao Bridge is aluminum, antimony. Agricultural completed. Chinag Khong will production is relatively developed. become the important economic gate. Main industry is agricultural and light (Officie of the National Economic and industry processing. Besides Bangkok Social Development Board, 2012). and coastal area of southern Thailand, The border trade of Chiang Khong it is the third largest tourist area. from the statistical report of Chiang Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong region is Khong Customs Office has increased located in Thai – Lao, Thai – to 6,726,451 million Baht, as shown in Myanmar border area, situated 200 the following. km away from Chinese border. The border point of Chiang Bangkok – Ayutthaya region is the Khong district is situated at Wiang political and economic center of sub-district opposite to Houayxay, Thailand, as well as one of the Borkeo provinve of Lao PDR. The Southeast Asian most famous Ministry of Interior has officially financial, tourism, service centres. announced to be the border point Bangkok is the largest international under the restriction of North South metropolis in the Mekong subregion, Economic Corridor since 12 January and there is the most famous modern 1989. ports in the region, trade and re-export Chiang Khong district is the are much developed. border Special Economic Zone of The Chiangrai – Chiang Chiangrai province. The plan has been Khong region is located closely link formulated to uplift Chiang Khong for to the borders of Thai – Lao PDR and the establishment of the Thai – Myanmar, it is the important comprehensive Agricultural Industry geographical strategic areas in Settlement equipped with particular tourism industry and other transportation facilities, goods industries along the Golden Triangle product transferred sub-station in area. During the past years, there was order to support all routes linkage to a consultation between Thailand and Borkeo to Kunming that will be an People Republic of China to develop opportunity for development of trade this area to be the Northern Thailand and investment as well as basic Technology, Economy and Trade infrastructure (The Office of National Zone. This area is potential to the Economic and Social Development North South Economic Corridor and Board). will be linked to Lao PDR and Myanmar. Presently, there is a water

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Figure 1. Delineated Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Corridors, 2000-2008.

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Figure 2. Showing Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Network in Transport Sector Strategy, 2006-2015.

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Figure 3. Present Configuration of East-West Economic Corridor, North- South Economic Corridor, and Southern Economic Corridor.

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With the changing situation the Government has announced the of Chian Khong district which NSEC prohibition by enactment of law. After has a route by land and water that, the Hmong grew agricultural connecting to Chiangrai Province, crops such as rice, corn and growing these might have been an effect to the fruit trees such as Lychee, Longan and people residing along Chiang Khong Mango. district, especially the Hmong ethnic The completion of group that was the interest of this construction of North South study to look into ways of life before Economic Corridor has created the construction and the change after opportunity for the Hmong to the NSEC is completed in 2015. commute between Thai – Lao PDR borders that could enable the Hmong The Settlement of the Hmong Ethnic: to earn a living through trade and In Chiangrai Province investment. The chance to be The Hmong group had assimilated and change the new way migrated into Lao PDR and continued of life become at risk particularly in the journey to Thailand. According to human trafficking, drugs, the Chiangmai Hill Tribe Research communicable diseases such as Center reported that the Hmong group HIV/AIDS, malaria and illegal has resettled in Chiang Khong since crossing the border into the country. 1870 by taking a route from Muang The study of Makha Kai and Muang Houayxay of Lao Khittasangka and et.al.)2009) PDR and then moved to Chiang “Developmental Dimensions and Khong district. During that time, the Economic, Socio- Cultural and Hmong had divided into two groups. Environmental Impacts Assessment One group had taken the Doi Luang along the Economic Corridors of the mountain route that close to Chiang Upper Greater Mekong Sub region”, Khong which is situated between the results of the study revealed both Chiang Khong and Wiang Kaen positive and negative in the following districts and connecting Chiang manners: district Saen in the west, and the other (1) Impacts of Infrastructure group taking the Doi Yao mountain Development route which is situated between There is distinct evidence that Chiang Khong and Wiang Kaen and at the local, positive outcome include Terng district close to Doi Pha Mon improved market access, improved and Doi Pha Tang which close to Lao access to basic social services such as PDR border in the east. health, education and agricultural In the early settlement, the support, improved access to electricity Hmong grew opium and lived near the and water supply, improved access to Mekong River which the land is information and communication as suitable to grow opium and it was the well as exchange between and among major income for the family. In 1858, cultures. Construction of large scale 49 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 roads and highways will bear on the social and culture of the Hmong ethnic environment and socio-economic life group residing in Chiang Khong of the local communities on both sides district, Chiangrai province, Thailand, of major highways. and what is the effects of the changes? (2) Socio-economic Impacts How the proposed possible effective There was a relocation of the measures and approaches for communities situated along the enhancing adjustment has improved construction of the highways resulting the quality of life and human unfair compensation and losses on development of the Hmong ethnic land, houses, occupation, community groups in upper northern Thailand, networks and relationship which become possible or not? occurred in Cambodia and in particular the ethnic minority along NSEC in Vietnam. Moreover, human THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES trading, drug trafficking, wild life In line with the research smuggling and spreading of HIV Aids questions, the objectives of the and illegal immigrant workers are the research aimed as the following; social problems that need to be 1. To study the impact of resolved among the GMS countries. North – South Economic Corridor

(3) Environmental Impacts towards the changing economic, Road construction in the social and culture of the Hmong ethnic Economic Corridors has produced the group residing in Chiang Khong consequences in environment and district, Chiangrai province, Thailand. ecological system that need to seek To study the proposed possible collaborated efforts to develop effective measures and approaches measures on rule and regulations for for enhancing adjustment to improve mutual implementation among the the quality of life and human GMS countries. development of the Hmong ethnic The situations during the groups in upper northern Thailand. construction and after the completion of the construction in 2015 of North The Scope of the Study South Economic Corridor has 1. The emphasis of this motivated the interest of the research is to study the impact of researcher to explore whether the life North South Economic Corridor on style of the Hmong ethnic group has the Hmong ethnic way of life in changed or not with the research Chiang Khong district, Chiangrai questions arising as followed: province, Thailand. The study has revealed the comparison between the Research Questions Hmong ethnic’s way of life in two

1. How the impact of North periods that to recall what had – South Economic Corridor has happened in the first period which was changed the way of life in economic, 50 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 before the construction of the (1986) material culture, or the thing Economic Corridor and after the people acquire or make, should be read completion of the construction. The as symbols through which social status proposed measure and approaches to is exhibited and maintained. In correspond to the changing ways of addition material culture reflects a life and quality of life improvement moral economy that structure every was derived from the result of the day experiences. People can study on the impact of North South manipulate things/possessions to Economic Corridor. represent changes in their status or 2. The Chiang Khong district identity, relative to those around study area is consisted of 5 villages them.” namely: To the aforementioned as (1) Ban Bost, Wiang sub-district, (2) explained by Sanya Salamon, and Ban Tung Na Noi, Wiang Subdistrict, coupled with it links with the new (3) Ban Tung Pattana, Wiang sub- global order redistributes populations district, (4) Ban Kew Karn, Rim Kong as well as goods and wealth. This sub-district, and movement is accelerated by the trade (5) Ban Maung Karn, Rim Kong sub- agreement that constitute the new strict. global order in particular the Greater 3. The sampling population is Mekong Economic Corridor especially consisted of 230 household heads. the North South Economic Corridor 4. There were two periods of that binds together Thailand, Lao PDR, the study, the first period was before Myanmar and People Republic of 1998, and the second period which the China in a neo-liberal regime of GMS Strategic Framework has been denationalized, reciprocal regulation of implemented, was from 1998 to 2012. trade, investment and associated affairs. Conceptual Framework With this theoretical Sanya Salamon (2006) in the framework, the researcher has selected “rural household as a consumption factors which were often found site” explained that “farm households, significantly related to the impact of however, remain dependent on access the construction of North South to land for their livelihood. But factors Economic Corridor on the Hmong other land tenure, and occupations ethnic way of life in Chiang Khong other than farming now dominate the district, Chiangrai province, Thailand, rural social hierarchy and shape rural is shown in the following Figure 4. consumption (Lobao and Meyer, 2001). Anthropologists, archeologists in particular, have long been attuned to RESEARCH METHODOLOGY what material culture tells us about This research has aimed to social structure, social relations and propose the policy implications on consumption. According to Appadurai 51 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 impact of North-South Economic researcher has selected 230 household Corridor on the Hmong ethnic way of to be the sample size by employing life in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Taro Yamane. Rai province, Thailand. The Statistical tools for analyzing questionnaires both structured and the data were, frequency distribution, unstructured had been employed for percentage, mean, standard deviation data collection from the following and t-test and the acceptable levels of information sources: significance were set at 5 percent (*) There are 432 households in and 1 percent (**). the residence village and the

Figure 4. Conceptual Framework showing the relationship between the impact of North South Economic Corridor on the Hmong ethnic way of life in three aspects; economic, social and cultural aspects.

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RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH Table 1. Sex of the respondents in selected 5 villages.

Sex Frequency Percent Male 141 61.3 Female 89 38.7 Total 230 100.0

Table 1. shows that most respondents were male comprising 61.3 percent, and female 38.7 percent.

Table 2. Age of the respondents in selected 5 villages.

Age Frequency Percent 31-40 35 15.2 41-50 78 33.9 51-60 52 22.6 61-70 55 23.9 71- up 10 4.4 Total 230 100

Table 2. shows the age of the respondents, 33.9 percent were between 41-50 years, mostly found between the ages of 61-70 years 23.6 percent and 22.6 percent between 51-60 years, respectively

Table 3. Occupation of the respondents.

Occupation Frequency Percent Field crops 64 27.8 Gardening 10 4.3 Field crops + gardening 78 33.9 Trade 32 13.9 Private enterprise 5 2.2

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Occupation Frequency Percent Employees 7 3.0 Construction 22 9.6 General hired labourer 12 5.2 Total 230 100.0

Table 3. shows the occupation of the respondents, 33.9 percent of the Hmong earned an income from field crops and gardening, 27.8 percent from field crops, and trade 13.9 percent, respectively. The rest were construction workers, general hired labourer, employee and private enterprise.

Table 4. Educational attainment of the respondents.

Education Frequency Percent Uneducated 54 23.5 Primary education level 4 45 19.6 Primary education level 6 50 21.7 Junior high school 18 7.8 High school 31 13.5 High vocational certificate 22 9.6 Bachelor's degree 10 4.3 Total 230 100

Table 4 shows the educational level of respondents which comprising uneducated 23.5 percent, the majority obtained education at various levels; 21.7 percent primary education level 6, 19.6 percent primary education level 4, 13.5 percent high school, 9.6 percent vocational certificate, junior high school 7.8 percent and 4.3 percent bachelor's degree.

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Table 5. The types of the family.

Family type Frequency Percent Single family 111 48.3 Extended family 119 51.7 Total 230 100.0

Table 5. shows the types of family which found 51.7 percent was extended family and 48.3 percent was single family type.

Table 6. The length of the settlement in the respondents’ villages.

Length of settlements Frequency Percent 20-30 129 56.1 31-40 40 17.4 41-50 38 16.5 51 Up 23 10 Total 230 100

Table 6 shows the length of settlement of the respondents living in Chiang Khong district, Chiangrai province which found 56.1 percent were between 20-30 years of settlement, the highest were 17.4 percent between 31- 40 years and between 41-50 years 16.5 percent, respectively.

Table 7. The income sources of the respondents. (N=230) Income sources Frequency Percent Agriculture as a household income sources : Farm crops 91 39.6 Corn 131 57.0 Soybean 21 9.1 Cassava 11 4.8 Plantation

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Income sources Frequency Percent Lychee 89 38.7 Rubber 71 30.9 Employed in agriculture Contract farming. 28 12.2 Contract Farmers 7 3.0 Non Agriculture Trade 32 13.9 Garment 100 43.5

Table 7. shows the source of income of the respondents found major income earning from corn 57.0 percent, garment 43.5 percent, growing farm crops 39.6 percent and planting lychee 38.7 percent.

Table 8. The yearly household economy of the respondents. (N=230) Household economic Mean Std. Deviation Income in cash Income from agriculture 35,994 17,523 Income from non-agriculture 56,975 25,572 Total 37,674 22,003 Expenditure in cash Household operation expenditure 7,472 1,479 Farming expenditure 16,988 8,646 Expenditure for paying debt 8,194 4,244 Total 11,119 3,195 Total of sampling household debts 30,240 19,971 Total of sampling household savings 42,402 29,581

Table 8 shows the yearly from two sources of earning; household economy of the Hmong agriculture (  = 35,994 Baht) and ethic group in Chiang Khong which non-agriculture ( = 56,975 Baht). found that the income in cash came The cash income was used for

56 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 household expenditure into three labor. The average expenditure for categories; for household operation paying debt per year was 8,194 Baht. expenditure (  = 7,472 Baht), farming The average household expenditure expenditure ( = 16,988 Baht) and per year was 11,119 Baht. The cash expenditure for paying debt ( = flow was categorized into three 8,194 Baht). categories; household operation ( = The average income of the 7,472 Baht), farming such as fertilizer, respondents ( = 37,674 Baht/year) seeds, gasoline, hire labor ( = were mainly agriculture that derived 16,988 Baht), paying debt ( = 8,194 from rice, corn, cassava and lychee Baht). The average debts of the growing. The average income of the sampling respondents was 30,220 respondents per year from non- Baht per year, and the savings agriculture ( =56,975 Baht) which capacity of the sampling respondents came from cloth sewing, cloth was 42,402 Baht per year. weaving, basketry and general hired

Table 9. The Impact of the North – South Economic Corridor on the Hmong Ethnic Lifestyle Changes as a Result of the Economic Aspect. (N=230) Past Present Attitude Attitude Economic Aspect t Std. Scale Std. Scale Mean Mean Deviation Deviation Occupation 1.60 0.15 Little 2.72 0.22 Very 138.174**

Income earning 1.33 0.22 Little 2.90 0.38 Very 119.303** Spending on a daily 1.51 0.86 Little 2.26 0.65 Medium 70.742** basis The ability to work 1.98 0.27 Medium 2.85 0.38 Very 80.597** Spending for health 1.00 0.32 Little 2.65 0.22 Very 234.872** care and recreation The households 1.66 0.28 Little 2.64 0.67 Very 139.932** savings Debt 1.35 0.24 Little 1.68 0.71 Medium 94.121**

Cultural Tourism 1.32 0.31 Little 1.67 0.27 Medium 120.357** Exchange of cultural goods among various ethnic Hmong groups 1.67 0.29 Medium 3.00 0.32 Very 259.361** along the North South Economic Corridor Consumption of 1.33 0.35 Little 2.65 0.46 Very 187.402** products

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Past Present Attitude Attitude Economic Aspect t Std. Scale Std. Scale Mean Mean Deviation Deviation Prices of products 1.67 0.20 Medium 2.33 0.72 Medium 273.327**

Total 1.49 0.60 Little 2.47 0.50 Very ** Significant difference at 1 percent level

Table 9 shows the impact of North – than in the past. (  = 1.49,2.47), and South Economic Corridor. The the highest found in exchange of Hmong life style changes as a result of cultural goods among various Hmong the economic growth in line with the ethnic groups along the North South construction of North – South Economic Corridor ( = 1.67,3.00), Economic Corridor. The Hmong followed by the pursuit and creation of ethnic group had compared changes as family income increased ( = 1.33, occurred to them between the past to 2.90) and the development of skills present. The difference has shown and expertise in a career have shown statistically significant at 1 percent high ( = 1.98. , 2.85) and its cultural level of economic factors that have impact has shown minimal effect ( = indicated the trend of changes higher 1.32,1.67).

Table 10. The Impact of the North - South Economic Corridor on the Hmong ethnic Lifestyle Changes as a Result of the Social Aspect. (N=230) Past Present Attitude Attitude Social Aspect Std. Std. t Mean Scale Mean Scale Deviation Deviation Social status of the 1.67 0.37 Medium 2.01 0.27 Medium 97.416 ** household The physical condition 2.50 0.51 Very 2.99 0.29 Very 92.46** of the household Participation in 1.67 0.24 Medium 2.33 0.31 Medium 121.34** community activities Health 1.67 0.25 Medium 1.99 0.18 Medium 92.46** Sense of security of 1.00 0.64 Little 1.97 0.27 Very 92.46** life and property Educational opportunity and learning of the 1.33 0.39 Little 2.57 0.19 Very 113.94** members of the household The household conditions in the 1.00 0.49 Little 2.29 0.16 Medium 176.60** settlement

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Past Present Attitude Attitude Social Aspect Std. Std. t Mean Scale Mean Scale Deviation Deviation

Communications 1.73 0.21 Medium 1.93 0.15 Medium 18.97** Travel between the 2.00 0.19 Medium 2.84 0.26 Very 49.37** border Total 1.62 0.33 Medium 2.32 0.20 Very ** Significant difference at 1 percent level

Table 10 shows the impact of the shown in the higher level (  = 1.62, Northern – South Economic Corridor 2.32). The evidence of change is likely on changes in the social aspect of that most of the building material form Hmong ethnic group, as compared to and physical condition of the their situations in the past and towards household ( = 2.50, 2.99), followed the present. The difference is by travelling between the border ( = statistically significant at 1 percent 2.00, 2.84) and indicating rise to level, the over all social factors are higher in educational opportunity and likely to be affected by changes as learning of the household members ( = 1.33, 2.57).

Table 11. The Impact of the North – South Economic Corridor on the Hmong ethnic Lifestyle Changes as a Result of the Cultural Aspect. (N=230) Past Present Attitude Attitud Cultural Aspect t Std. Scale Std. e Scale Mean Mean Deviation Deviation Pattern of indigenous health 2.78 0.33 Very 2.08 0.19 Medium 53.22** care Behavior and socialization in 2.99 0.55 Very 2.46 0.67 Very 52.45** the household Dietary habits 2.22 0.68 Medium 2.20 0.26 Medium 1.49**

Cultural exchange 2.21 0.18 Medium 2.49 0.37 Very -23.49 Adaptation of 1.67 0.27 Medium 2.09 0.28 Medium -38.99 the art Total 2.37 0.25 Very 2.26 0.37 Medium ** Significant difference at 1 percent level

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Table 11 shows the impact of cultural factors that have shown the North- South Economic Corridor affected is lower in pattern of towards the changing lifestyles of indigenous health care, (  = 2.78, Hmong ethnic group on culture. The 2.08.), followed by the behavior and respondents had compared the socialization in the household ( = situations as occurred in the past and 2.99, 2.46) and cultural exchange their adoption of practices at present. among Hmong ethnic group (x = 2.21, The difference is statistically 2.49) has increased at the high level. significant at 1 percent level. The

Discussion and Conclusion aspect of the Hmong ethnic group Factors that have been affected indicated that there are changes at the by North - South Economic Corridor very high level in; on the Hmong ethnic’s way of life in - The physical condition of the Chiang Khong district, Chiangrai household Province can be concluded in the - Sense of security of life and following: property - Educational opportunity and The Economic aspect; learning of the household members The impact of the North South - Travelling between the Economic Corridor provided the border areas of neighboring countries sufficient evidence on the economic aspect of the Hmong ethnic group The Cultural aspect: indicated that there are changes at the The impact of the North South very high level in; Economic Corridor provided the - Occupation sufficient evidence on the cultural - Earning an income aspect of the Hmong ethnic group - The ability to work. indicated that there are changes at the - Spending for health care and very high level in; recreation - Pattern of indigenous health - The household savings care, but there is a slightly change - Exchange of cultural goods compared to the past but not among various Hmong ethnic group significant, implying that Hmong groups along the North South ethnic group still using local wisdom Economic Corridor for health care. - Consumption of goods - Cultural exchange among products various Hmong ethnic group along the North South Economic Corridor. The Social aspect: The direction of adaptation of The impact of the North South the ethnic Hmong towards the impact Economic Corridor provided the along the path of North South sufficient evidence on the social Economic Corridor which has been 60 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018 evidently observed that there is the are varied. The most importantly business networks established for found that Hmong is still attached to value added to the cultural products, their identity especially in cultural conservation, vitalization and activity as expressed in ritual transmission of tribal identity. The ceremony, clothing and craftworks utmost important is to develop and maintaining their ethnic dialect as standard of living for quality of life well. improvement and, more importantly, In the development of identity the increasing in earning capability, of Hmong ethnic groups along NSEC prevention of diseases, security in life should refer to the need of future study and property as well as the facilitation to a process that includes of service for the border trades are strengthening, harmony and sustained required. interaction with their environment, sound management of natural Limitation of the Research and resources and territories, the creation Future Study and exercise of authority, and respect From the viewpoint of GMS for the rights and values of ethnic development as a whole, the use of people, including cultural, economic, trade flows as the sole for designating social and institutional rights, in certain routes as GMS economic accordance with their worldview and corridors is considered too narrow and governance. This is the concept based inadequate. In some sections of GMS on the principles of equity, corridors, trade flows may be limited interconnectedness, reciprocity, and at present. How ever cross border solidarity. It seeks to consolidate the flows of tourism and other types of conditions in which tribal peoples can trade in services such as health and thrive and grow in harmony with their education services are substantial, and surroundings by capitalizing on the hence need to be taken into account in potential of their cultural, natural, and delineating GMS economic corridors social assets according to their own such as the establishment of Special priorities. Economic Zone (SEZs) and population distribution along and around the corridors In the case of this study, it has found some limitation especially Hmong ethnic groups are residing along the NSEC which Settlement scattered in various rural communities such as in Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam by that in this study cannot cover the changing life styles because some sections of economic activities 61 Volume 6 Number 1, January 2018

BIBLIOGRAPHY Lee, G.Y. 1987. “Minority Politics in Asian Development Bank. 2016. Thailand: A Hmong Review of Configuration of Perspective” in The the Greater Mekong Subregion International Conference on Economic Corridors. 21st. Thai Studies, Australian Ministerial Conference. GMS National University 3-6 July Secretariat Southeast Asia 1987. Department. Makha Khittasangkha. 2008. “Socio Economic and Political Asian Development Bank. 2008. Logistics Development Study Assimilation towards the of the Greater World Perspectives of Hmong Mekong Subregion North- in Northern Thailand and South Economic Corridor Southern China”. In Summary. Philippines: ADB. International Conference Chenisa Khampanya. 2012. The “Partnership in Economic and Effects of North South Social Development through Economic Corridor on Pan Science and Technology with Asian Railway: Case of Emphasis on Protecting Chiang Rai Province, Culture and Environment in Thailand. A Thesis Submitted Asia-Pacific”. Chiangrai for the Degree of Master of Rajabhat University, Science (Project Chiangrai, Thailand. Management). Chiangrai Makha Khittasangka. 2011. Culture Rajabhat University, and Language Communication Chiangrai, Thailand. in the Classroom and Chiang Khong Customs Office, Workplace: Cases of Iu Mien, Chiangrai Province. 2012. Hmong and Lahu Ethnic Groups in Chiangrai Upper Border Trade Value Report of Chiang Khong Customs Northern Thailand. In Office, Chiangrai, Thailand. International Conference “The Dynamics in Language ISONO, Ikumo. 2010. Economic st Impacts of the Economic Teaching in the 21 Century Corridor Development in November 25-26, 2010” Mekong Region. In Pibulsongkram Rajabhat Investment Climate of Major University. Phitsanulok, Cities in CLMV Countries, Thailand. edited by Masami Ishida, BRC Research Report No.4, Bangkok Research Center, IDE-JETRO, Bangkok, Thailand.

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Makha Khittasangka. 2009. Phithak Rattanasaengsawang. 2013. Developmental Dimensions Impact of North South and Economic, Socio- Cultural Economic Corridor on the and Environmental Impacts Hmong Ethnic’s Way of Life Assessment along the in Chiang Khong District, Economic Corridors of the Chiangrai Province, Thailand. Upper Greater Mekong Sub International Proceedings region. In Proceeding of ASEAN Knowledge Networks Chiarai Rajabhat University for the Economy, Society, Research Communities for Culture, and Environmental Sustainable Ways of Life. Stability. Chiang Rai Rajabhat Chiarai Rajabhat University, University, Chiangrai, Chiangrai, Thailand. Thailand, 2013. Makha Khittasangka. 2009. Songwit Chuamsakul. 2006. Ph.D. Developmental Dimensions Dissertation on Hmong and Economic, Socio- Cultural People, Education and Hmong and Environmental Impacts Culture Change: A Story of Assessment along the Two Hmong Villages in Economic Corridors of the Northern Thailand, Trent Upper Greater Mekong Sub University, Ontarion, Canada. region. In Proceeding of Source: Summarizes the key elements Chiarai Rajabhat University of the GMS– SF. 2011. Research Communities for http://www.adb.org/document Sustainable Ways of Life. s/reports/mid-term-review- Chiarai Rajabhat University, gms/Midterm-Review - GMS- Thailand. Final.pdf. Mckinnon, J.,B. Vienne. 1989. Hill Tapp, N. 1989. Sovereignty and Tribes Today: Problems in rebellion: The white Hmong of change. Bangkok: White Northern Thailand. Oxford Lotus-Orstrom. University Challenge, 11 th ed. Belmont, Ca: wadsworth. Young. G. 1961. The Hilltribes of Northern Thailand: a Socio- Ethnological Report, Monograph No.1. Bangkok: The Siam Society.

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