The majority of the hill tribes in northern Thailand are relatively recent immigrants to the region. Only the Karens and the Lawas were sttled in the country before the arrival of the Thais. The hill tribes form a minority. In 1983, their total population was about 416,000. Apart from the Karens and the Lawas, this group also includes the Miens (Yaos), Lisus, Lahu Shis and the Blue and WHite Hmongs. While aspects of religions such as Christianity, Buddhism and Islam have been adopted by some hill tribes, animism is still in evidence.
Hill Tribes