Description
Several hill tribes live in Thailand. One of these hill tribes is the Padaung hill tribe. The Padaung tribe is part of the Karen tribe, but is distinct in a special way. The Padaung hill tribe is also called the Longnecks. The women wear copper rings around their necks from the age of five, with a new ring added each year. The Longnecks consist of approximately 6,000 members and almost all live in northern Thailand. The Longnecks are Burmese refugees. The military attempted to exterminate the tribe. Because they are refugees, Thailand does not recognize the tribe. The women are known for their beautiful weaving, and the men for their tattoos. Mae Sai is the northernmost town in Thailand. It is located in Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province and has a population of 6,451 (2005). Nearby attractions include Wat Phra That Doi Wao, Tham Luang, Tham Pum, and Tham Pla. To the north, Mae Sai borders Myanmar. It is separated from Myanmar by the Mae Nam Sai River.
