Thailand photogalleries and articles

Most of the photo galleries below are based on a December 1988 visit to the northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand which included a visit (by air) to Mae Hong Son on the Thai/Myanmar border and Chiang Rai (by boat).  I visited minority villages in the region including Akha, Blue Hmong, Karen, Padaung, Lahu and Mien. 

It was this introduction to the different ethnic groups and their varied textiles which launched a passion for the minority groups of the region and their culture - especially as it relates to their textiles. It led to to further explorations in Vietnam, Myanmar and then to south-west China from where so many of the minority groups initially migrated. The book, purchased in Chiang Mai - Peoples of the Golden Triangle by missionaries Paul and Elaine Lewis (1984 Thames & Hudson ISBN 0-500-97314-8 republished in 1998 ISBN 0-500-974721 and still available in the Thames & Hudson catalogue) - was an inspiration for future research, photography and an ever increasing textile and book collection.

Following the 1988 photogalleries are articles by Monique Derwig and Pamela.

Green (Blue) Hmong

click on thumbnail for photogallery A gallery of photos of Green (commonly known as Blue) Hmong taken in December 1988 in the north of Thailand.  A few were taken in Mae Hong Son province and remainder near Chiang Mai in two villages - one on Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai and the other on Doi Chiang Dao on the road from Chiang Mai to Fang.   See also the Photo gallery of Green Hmong, Vietnam whose clothing has close similarities. all text and images © Pamela A Cross top

Karen

U Lo-Akha

Mien (Yao)

A gallery of three sets of Padaung photos.  The first, taken in December 1988, is of three Padaung women living as a tourist attraction near Mae Hong Son in the north of Thailand on the border with Kayah State in Myanmar.  The second set, taken in September 1998, is of two Padaung women in Kalaw market, Shan State, Myanmar with their neck rings discretely covered with shawls.  The third set of photos, also taken in September 1998, is of two Padaung women again living as a tourist attraction in 'traditional' houses at a hotel on the edge of Lake Inle, Shan State, Myanmar. 

all text and images © Pamela A Cross  top

Monique Derwig is strongly affected by the 'textile virus' and this article is her travel diary in Thailand from March 2005. Monique's textile collection has a particular focus on children's clothing, especially hats. The article includes photos of Akha, Yao, Hmong and Karen textiles in and around Mae Sai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

images © Monique Derwig top

Mosquito net and bed curtain borders of various Tai groups - including Black Thai (Tai Dam), Red Thai (Tai Daeng) or White Thai (Tai Khao) - may be found by collectors. This illustrated discussion aims to show their construction, how they are used and to put them in the context of the domestic and ceremonial life of the Tai peoples of Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. (See also Black Thai minority Vietnam and Southern White Thai Weaving Village photogalleries).

all text and images © Pamela A Cross top text and images © Pamela Cross, Susan Stem, Patricial Cheesman