Mae Hong Son

They are called in Thailand the Padaung tribe, giraffe-people or long necks and are largely coming from neighboring Myanmar. The women wear a large number of gold rings around their necks that can weigh a maximum of more than 20 kg. Most often amount to about 5 kg and they are about 30 cm long in length. Because the rib cage is pushed down by the weight, their neck seems very long, hence the name.

No research has indicated that it would be bad for health although there are several other stories about this. One is that if the women take off the rings their necks collapse and they suffocate. Legend has it that the women started wearing the rings to look less attractive for other male tribesmen; Another story goes that tigers could not drag women into the forest at their necks. The romantic version is that a covenant was made between the wind and a beautiful female dragon. Carrying the rings would be a sacrifice to this covenant. The fact is that wearing the rings was almost extinct until tourism made its entry and money could be made.

The KNPP (Karenni National Progressive Party) is the organization that guides the tourism industry when it comes to money. The Padaung are part of the Karenni's and would like to have an independent state in eastern Myanmar and this money is needed for that. The entrance fee is largely used for this (part goes to the women) although more money is earned from the sale of souvenirs and photos to tourists.

Just like with other visits to hill tribes and/or elephants rides in Thailand, a visit to this tribe also has two sides; are these people being exploited, kept in captivity or is it a means of surviving through tourist money? These people are refugees from Burma and have no rights in Thailand. In Burma they worked for days in the rice fields between the different civil wars. The story goes that they would love to go back but only if it is safe there. There are several "long-neck" villages on the border with Myanmar; do not forget to bring your passport for registration.