The culture and traditions the indigenous group in Thailand

The Padaung people, also known as the Karen, in Mae Hong Son province in Northwest Thailand is one of the indigenous groups found in Thailand. They are well known for the famous long-necked women in the province. It is part of the tradition where women beautify themselves by adding brass rings to their necks, forearms and legs. The brass rings increases year after year. The neck ring is part of the culture, as the women believe that wearing the neck rings will make them more attractive and it also shows their level of wealth, which would enable them to get a good husband.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL8ARB5FmsA&feature=player_embedded )

Another part of the Padaung culture involves making music in the Karen life and women around the village can be seen playing the traditional guitar. Training elephants is also part of their culture.

One of the traditions that the Padaung young women have continued till today is the making of their own and their prospective partner’s wedding clothes. To indicate that they are not married, the women and young girls wear a white robe. During the wedding, and before the wedding, as long as the women have found a husband to marry, they will then change the colour of their robe dress.