Silver beaded bracelet from Mae sai in Thailand.

Several hill tribes live in Thailand. One of those hill tribes is the Padaung hill tribe. The Padaung tribe belongs to the Karen tribe, but it distinguishes itself in a special way. The Padaung hill tribe is also known as the Longnecks. The women have been wearing copper rings around their necks since they were five years old. A ring is added every year. The Longnecks consist of about 6000 members and almost all live in the north of Thailand. The Longnecks are Burmese refugees. Soldiers have tried to exterminate the tribe. Because they are refugees, Thailand does not recognize the hill tribe. The women are known for their beautiful weaving skills and the men for their tattoos. Mae Sai is the northernmost place in Thailand. It is located in the district of Mae Sai in the province of Chiang Rai and has a population of 6,451 (2005). Near Mae Sai are the Wat Phra That Doi Wao, the Tham Luang, the Tham Pum and the Tham Pla. In the north, Mae Sai borders Myanmar. The place is separated from Myanmar by the Mae Nam Sai.