Livelihoods and Dwelling Security: The Challenges of Indigenous Karen People

Abstract

The Indigenous Karen people living in the Kaeng Krachan National Park (KKNP) in Western Thailand were evicted from their traditional village home by armed Thai forces to an allocated area. These operations have led to the enormous change in the traditional way of life. They cannot fully continue with their traditional ways of life. The misunderstanding of the livelihood system of the Karen is the critical problems. This paper aims to examine the challenges of indigenous Banggloy Karen people under regulation of the national park. This study is framed within a phenomenological perspective and draws on specific empirical experience by employing participant observation, interview and focus group. Empirical evidence shows that one of the main obstacles facing the Karen are the political issues that impact on the traditional way of life. The critical problem is the struggle to maintain their way of life in the current settlements; for example, the policies to reclaim the forest and relocate people are also a problem for those inhabiting the forest, who might be evicted. Law and regulation are the obstructions of traditional practice. Land allocation is also a part of the policy that reduces the shifting cultivation. Thus, the state should provide clear guidance within a human right framework and ecological approach and respect for the traditional knowledge and rights of indigenous communities including sustainable livelihoods. Keywords: Indigenous Karen, Dwelling Security, Conflict, Development, Banggloy, Ethnographic Method