Far Eastern Economic Review, Volume 150, Issue 50 (1990-12). pp. 35-37.
Language:
English
Abstract:
FOR DECADES, THE HMONG AND OTHER MARTIAL HILL TRIBES, OR "MONTAGNARDS," OF NORTHERN THAILAND HAVE BEEN PRIZED BY POLICYMAKERS IN BANGKOK AND WASHINGTON AS BUFFERS AGAINST GUERRILLA INSURGENCIES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE. HOWEVER, THE OPIUM FARMING OF THE HILL TRIBES CAME UNDER INCREASINGLY HEAVY FIRE FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS TAUGHT THE MONTAGNARDS HOW TO REPLANT THEIR ERSTWHILE POPPY FIELDS WITH CABBAGES, POTATOES, COFFEE, FRUIT TREES, AND FLOWERS. MANY OF THE HILL TRIBES THAT ENGAGED IN CROP SUBSTITUTION FLOURISHED ECONOMICALLY. BUT THE SWITCHOVER TO CASH CROPS HAS ALSO EARNED THE MONTAGNARDS WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONDEMNATION FOR SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL ILLS AS SOIL EROSION, DEFORESTATION, AND WATER DEPLETION. A POSSE OF ECOLOGY ACTIVISTS LED BY A CHARISMATIC BUDDHIST MONK HAS VOWED TO KEEP THE HILL TRIBES FROM FARMING. LOWLAND THAI FARMERS, ENVIOUS OF THE MONTAGNARDS' RELATIVE AFFLUENCE, HAVE CLIMBED ON BOARD THE BANDWAGON.