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The Lahu hilltribe, around 60,000 people,
are located in the Fang Region of Chiang Rai,
slightly east of Mae Chan close to the
border of Burma. The
Lahu itself consist of four sub-groups, namely the Black, Red, Yellow and She-Leh
and originated in Southwestern China.
The Lahus are animist and believe in one
spirit with overall control all the others.
About 30% of the Lahus have been converted
to Christianity and have abandoned their way
of life. Many wait for the arrival of a
‘Messiah’ to lead them into plenty and
happiness.
 Lahu women are skilled in weaving cloth,
both on back-strap and foot-treadle looms,
producing delicate patchwork trims, and
unusual embroidery work. The Lahu clothing
is very unique, ranging from embroidered
tunics and turbans to silver belts and
buckles.
The villages of the Lahu are mostly at high
altitudes with houses built on high stilts
with walls of bamboo or wooden planks,
thatched with grass. A ladder leads to the
open central living area, with a store room
to one side and living quarters to the
other. Their domestic animals like chicken,
pigs and buffalos are kept in the basement
corral.
Today they are having problems integrating
into mainstream society, as the substitute
crops, in place of the traditional opium, do
not provide enough for the daily
necessities. Their practice of slash and
burn agriculture does not provide them with
even the basic essentials of life, let alone
the enrichment to be found in education for
their children, adequate medical care, and
the simple amenities of modern life.
Therefore, migration is a part of the Lahu
way of life and a Lahu community might stay
in one location for eight to ten years.
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