Abstract
Purpose. The research examined economic, political, social and cultural changes that are occurring within selected hilltribe groups in Thailand. The study focused on governmental policies, as well as the problems encountered during the hilltribe developmental projects, which were put into action in accordance with the Hilltribe Development Policy during the Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan of 1982 to 1986. A comparison was made between conditions prior to the implementation of these policies and what took place in 1993. Methodology. Participants in this study were purposely selected from the leaders of each household of six different hilltribe groups from six different villages in Chaing Mai province totaling 341 people. Qualitative data were taken from interviews with officials whose duties concern the research topics, as well as other knowledgeable and experienced individuals in the villages. The quantity samples were obtained through interviewing, using a structured questionnaire as an aid, of the family head of each household. Findings. The findings revealed that the economic change and the political behaviors of hilltribes during the Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan (1982-1986) and 1993 had rapidly been shifting away from that of the Hilltribe Development Plan. But the social and cultural patterns had slightly been shifting in accordance with the Hilltribe Development Plan. Economically, the hilltribes have decreased their opium cultivation and turned to the growing of many other crops. Their tendency to farm only for their own use and survival needs has given way to a more trade-conscious practice. Politically, the character of leaders and leadership among the hilltribes has changed. They are now being elected through the Thai system of electing a village-head or "Pu-yai-ban" who becomes both a representative of the village and of the state government. Furthermore, it has been indicated that there are more development projects being done within the hilltribe villages with participation by government officials. This helps the hilltribes feel that they have not been left out of the system and that they still count. Also, more of the government's development projects are being planned for and implemented in the hilltribe villages than was the case in the past. Socially, more hilltribes are sending their children to school and that their behavior concerning health and medical treatment has changed considerably. Modern medical knowledge is replacing the influence of traditional medical methods. Belief in spirits and charms is fading away. The family structure is one of the temporary extensions. The son is the heir and the roles of the mother and father are decreasing.