Tourism

Exploring Traditional Farming and Land Management in Northern Thailand

A young woman from Hin Lad Nai teaching participants about the useful plants that grow in the rotational fields

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CHIANG RAI – In this article we will take you to Northern Thailand to explore an ancestral land management and cultural practice known as rotational farming. Also called shifting cultivation or swidden agriculture, rotational farming is a system in which forest plots are cleared, burned, cropped, and then allowed to remain fallow.

During the fallow period, which lasts for several years, perennial crops continue to be managed and harvested as the forest regrows. This system is an ancient practice of the Karen (or Pgakenyaw) indigenous people in Hin Lad Nai community, Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, and with it we have protected the forest and provided food for our community for centuries.

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Nowadays, twenty households take care of some 3,250 hectares of forests and fields around the village. The territory was declared a Special Cultural Zone by the Thailand Ministry of Culture, which, in 2010, granted legitimacy to the Karen peoples’ customary rights and practices, and gave back to us the authority to manage our own resources using traditional, sustainable methods.

Unfortunately, youth are becoming less interested in learning the traditional practice of rotational farming and many Thai are unaware of its existence. This is why we have organized educational workshops with the Hin Lad Nai community, the Thailand Slow Food Youth Network (SFYN), the Indigenous Terra Madre network (ITM), and the Pgakenyaw Association for Sustainable Development (PASD), with support from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC).

Community leader Mr. Chaiprasert Phokha harvesting honey

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Last November we held a workshop that sought to address the question: How can we encourage indigenous youth to get involved in, and take pride in, the revival, promotion, and maintenance of traditional knowledge for local food innovation based on rotational farming and agroforestry? We invited people from the Thailand SFYN and ITM to host the workshop and share their expertise as chefs, designers, artists, coffee farmers, organic growers, etc. Members of the SFYN facilitated the workshop, and participants from a range of backgrounds and professions attended.

We also created space for local community members—especially young people—to exchange ideas with, and learn from, the participants so that they could develop innovations based on their own cultural knowledge and practices.

Community leader Mr. Chaiprasert Phokha welcomed the participants, and traditional and official village leaders described the history of the community and their methods for managing local natural resources, explaining that, for at least four generations, the community forests, agroforests, and rotational fields around Hin Lad Nai have been cared for according to Karen customary law and traditional practices.

Sacred trees are centers of spirituality and memory.

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We separated into three groups, each of which included elders or knowledgeable persons from the community, and went into the community forest and agroforests, where not only elders but also young people from the village shared their knowledge with the participants, and local experts described the classification of different forest types.

There is no clear boundary between the community forests and agroforests around Hin Lad Nai: Both contain a great diversity of trees, plants, insects, and other animals, and many of these species can be used for food, medicine, and other purposes. Some of the most important crops for earning income are tea, a local fruit called makhom, lemon, pomelo, and other tree fruits.

Beekeeping is another important activity: The people of Hin Lad Nai make wooden hives and line them with beeswax to attract wild bees, which then colonize the hives and start producing honey. The participants saw firsthand that the productivity and diversity of the forests result not simply from allowing the forest to grow naturally, but from careful management.

Through replanting important trees and plants, the community has transformed certain areas into agroforest. Due to these management practices, the forest provides the community with products for subsistence and opportunities to earn income.

On the evening of the first day we tasted special foods from the forest. Chefs from SFYN presented the story of the community through the food that they prepared. After the meal we opened the floor for sharing and discussion related to the day’s activities. November is harvest time in Hin Lad Nai village so, on the second day, we took the participants into three rotational fields so that they could see, touch, and collect products grown in different phases of the rotation.

Chefs Van and Tep teaching the participants about local dishes.

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They saw that, even after the main harvest, the fields are not exhausted and many food plants remain. The participants used the products that they had collected to prepare a meal in the field, and we discussed traditions and knowledge related to Karen rotational farming and cooking. Many Karen practices, including a simple approach to cooking based on organic vegetables, are shared by the neighboring Akha indigenous people. Though the Karen and Akha speak different languages, their way of life is similar in many ways.

Local wild honeys served on phaw ke leaves from the agroforest.

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In the evening we had a big meal to celebrate the Slow Food Menu for Change campaign. Chefs from SFYN were joined by local chefs as well as the workshop participants, who were very excited to work with, and learn from, professionals. Chefs and participants divided into groups and prepared food using only ingredients from the rotational fields. This gave the participants a wonderful opportunity to share ideas with local experts, and to put some of their new knowledge into practice. The whole village came to share the meal, and each group described the dishes they had prepared.

On morning of the final day we held a workshop on the flavors of rotational farming, in which the participants got to taste more of the raw materials from the landscape. We sampled honeys from three different forests and coffees from three indigenous villages, and finished the tasting with a coffee flower tisane from Maejantai Akha indigenous community, and a tisane of black tea leaves and tea blossoms from Hin Lad Nai village.

This experience allowed the participants to develop their taste buds and, more importantly, absorb the richness of our region’s natural resources and valuable heritage. After the tasting workshop and a final meal, the shaman and elders prayed for each of the participants and led a Karen ritual known as Kij Cu. This ritual called back and strengthened the spirits of participants so that they could return home safely, with happiness and good memories.

Karen women on their way to a rotational field.

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Globalization presents tricky challenges to our way of life. Sometimes it brings us joy, new experiences, and the chance to enhance our knowledge, but it also creates uncertainty about the future of our culture and traditions. Our generation has the privilege to explore and connected to a multicultural society, but we also need to remain connected to our roots.

The ancestors showed us that it is possible to live harmoniously, in a way that doesn’t harm others. Our rich landscape, if properly cared for, provides us with food and habitation. Clean soil and water nourish us and the creatures with whom we share the land. The forest protects not only living things, but also our heritage.

These are the reasons why we respect our forebears and thank them for leaving us with so many valuable resources. As indigenous societies become more connected to each other and to global society as a whole, we will learn to exchange the beauty of our traditions, just like the young Karen in Hin Lad Nai are doing. Multicultural living is an option for our time, a way to honor our roots without ignoring or neglecting other cultures and ways of life.

By Lee Ayu Chuepa and Nutdanai Trakansuphakon

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.