The research on lesson-learned from Special Cultural Zone Project for the Karen ethnic group according to Cabinet Resolution on August 3 rd, 2010, consists of four Karen villages. The studied villages include: 1). Huey Hin Lad Nai Village, Ban pong Sub-district, Wiang Pa Paw District, Chiang Rai Province ; 2). Jae Ka Village, Moo 6 Lai Wo Sub-district, Sangklo Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province; 3).Nong Montor (Morwakee) Village, Moo 16, Mae Win Sub-district Mae Wong District, Chiang Mai Province and 4). Lae-Tongku Village, Mae Chan Sub- district, Umphang District, Tak Province. The study found that, prior to the declaration of the Special Cultural Zone Project in 2010, Karen people in four villages were remarkably conserve their ethnic identity and culture. The term “Special Cultural Zone”, was a novelty to most of the villagers. There were different levels of understanding to the term. Few people in each village who worked closely with government administrative organizations, such as village headman, comprehended the meaning of “Special Cultural Zone,” The majority, however, did not know the meaning and reason for their villages being announced to be in the Special Cultural Zone. Moreover, some Karen people simply ignored the project as they felt that it did not affect their way of life. The research suggests that processes of policy implementation should be based on the villages’ existing cultural practices and people’s concerns. People in Huey Hin Lad Nai village have already succeeded in conserving their ethnic identity and culture. Jae Ka villagers concern about the internal and external threats to their cultural identity and their way of life. In Nong Montha and Lae-tong Ku, people realize that their ethnic identity and culture have already declined.
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