This anthropological qualitative research examined the Tai Khuen ethnic group which migrated from Kengtung, Myanmar and settled at Ban Lao Phathana village at Tambon Ban Du, Muang district, Chiang Rai province, since 1977. Most of the residents did not have Thai citizenship. The author focused on the expression of their shared ethnic awareness through self-expression and historical connections with their origin and citizenship in Thailand. The study findings revealed that the ethnic group created shared conscience and to negotiate for their power and rights to legally live in the village and use resources.  The group also adopted the mainstream culture to reflect being a part of the Thai state and making a difference by connecting with Kengtung in Myanmar. For their social status, the ethnic group became leaders of other groups in the village, admimistering the village, collaborating with other villages and agencies, and forming the Chiang Rai Ethnic Group Network to demand their rights. However, the drive for negotiatioin could not be fully expressed because their freedom was not the same as other Thais. The study results could be used as a database for the state to plan for the management system of other ethnic groups.