Huai Hin Lad Nai is an Indigenous Karen village in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Pa Pao District. The community lives on more than 10,000 rai (1,600 hectares) of forest land and uses 1,632 rai for farming. It has received several conservation awards, including the UN Forest Hero Award.
In September 2024 the village suffered floods and landslides that locals called a once-in-a-lifetime disaster. Video clips and media reports later accused the community of causing the flood through rotational farming, and a Facebook page shared an aerial image that blamed monocropping. Some academics also criticised the community, while civil society groups said the reports spread misinformation and reinforced negative stereotypes.
A research project presented in February 2025 found that climate change and the effects of past logging concessions are likely factors. Lecturer Jatuporn Teanma said a La Niña pattern brought heavy rain and the monsoon stalled, and that areas open to logging concessions before 1989 were more vulnerable. The research also said some landslides happened in forest areas protected by the community and not used for farming.
Community leaders want to combine traditional knowledge and science to set up long-term monitoring. Activists say Thai law does not recognise communal ownership and they call for constitutional changes to protect community rights.
Difficult words
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- nature — The natural world around us.
- disaster — A sudden event causing great damage.disasters
- tradition — Long-established customs and practices.traditional
- rights — Legal or moral entitlements.
- change — To make something different.climate, climate change
- technology — Tools and machines used for tasks.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can traditional knowledge help during disasters?
- What reforms do you think are necessary for Indigenous rights?
- Why do you think stereotypes about Indigenous communities persist?
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