Huai Hin Lad Nai is an Indigenous Karen village in Wiang Pa Pao District. It lives on more than 10,000 rai of forest and only 1,632 rai are for farming. The community has won conservation awards, including the UN Forest Hero Award.
In September 2024 heavy floods and landslides hit the village. Some videos and news reports accused the community of causing the flood through rotational farming. Civil society groups said these reports spread misinformation and reinforced negative stereotypes. Houses, rice paddies and tea plantations were damaged. Some families lost pigs and roads were blocked. Chaithawat Chomti coordinated a local command centre while water and phone signals failed.
A research project presented in February 2025 said climate change and past logging concessions are likely factors. A lecturer said La Niña caused heavy rain and the monsoon stalled.
Difficult words
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- disaster — A sudden event causing great damage.
- climate — The average weather in an area.
- traditional — Relating to customs or beliefs passed down.
- farming — The activity of growing crops or raising animals.farming methods
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What challenges do you think communities face after disasters?
- How can media reports impact communities negatively?
- Why is it important to support Indigenous communities?
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