Tourism Impacts on the Authentic Culture of Thailand and Karen

Tourism in Thailand has brought along several impacts to the country and its indigenous group. Tourism has not only contributed significantly in the country’s economic growth, but also created job opportunities for the locals. It is expected by 2019 that 3 in every 8 jobs in Thailand will be in tourism industry thus indicating the importance of tourism to Thailand’s economy and its people. (Tourism Impact On Thailand's Economy By The Numbers, 2009)

Due to tourism, the Karen’s lives are greatly improved. Many Karen are refugees who fled from Burma to Northern Thailand. As a result of tourism, the tribe is able to make a good living from curious visitors flocking into the villages for exotic sights of these “long neck” women. 

For example, a Padaung woman is paid a good salary to simply pose for photographs. In addition, the indigenous group can also sell handicrafts to generate further revenue from the tourists. The tradition of brass coiling had almost died off but due to tourist’s demand, the Karen women continued this practice. Therefore, in a way tourism has helped to preserve the culture. (Andrew Spooner, 2007)

However, tourism has affected the culture in Thailand and the Karen in negative ways. Due to the high demand for these Karen women, tourists now have to pay entrance fee to the “villages” which are developed for tourism purposes to look at these women which are treated like animals in the zoo. As discussed, although tradition of wearing the brass coils had almost died out but now young girls in this indigenous group are made to continue this tradition in order to extract revenue from tourism and this practice is seen as work to the Karen women. (Andrew Spooner, 2007)