CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised has visited Chiang Mai to review the implementation of Thailand’s Ethnic Groups Protection and Promotion Act and hear policy proposals from local ethnic communities. The meeting took place at the Inter Mountain Peoples Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT) in San Sai district on July 18, 2026. Participants included government agencies, civil society networks, and representatives from 14 ethnic communities in Chiang Mai.
The Act, effective September 19, 2025, prioritizes protecting cultural rights and traditional identities, strengthening community self-reliance and sustainable development, and promoting equality by addressing prejudice and discrimination. During the visit, the Minister attended a traditional Lahu welcome dance and a musical performance by Pga K’nyau artists. She also viewed exhibitions showcasing the knowledge, cuisine, agriculture, and music of Chiang Mai’s Indigenous and ethnic communities.
A public forum enabled community networks, government agencies, and civil society groups to discuss the law’s practical implementation. Ethnic representatives submitted six policy proposals addressing equal access to education and support for community learning centers, public awareness to counter stereotypes, increased security over farmland, and equal access to welfare and basic infrastructure. The proposals also called for recognizing rotational farming as intangible cultural heritage and for coordinated action to restore community ecosystems and health affected by Kok River contamination. The Ministry of Culture stated that this visit marks a significant step in enforcing the new legislation. Through multi-sector cooperation, the government aims to sustainably protect ethnic livelihoods and preserve Thailand’s cultural diversity. (NNT)
