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Published on September 13, 2007

Mae Hong Son

Arriving on a six-wheeled truck, about 20 territorial defence volunteers showed up at their old community of Ban Huai Sua Thao to help with their relocation.

"I welcome the move because I have lived in Ban Huai Sua Thao for 12 years and my life is not getting any better," Malor, a 24-year-old long-neck woman, said.

She also admitted that she felt Ban Huai Sua Thao was very much like a human zoo because foreign tourists had to pay Bt250 to see long-neck people in this community.

"I don't want it this way," Malor said.

She also expressed hope that the Ban Huai Poo Kaeng community would allow her family to enjoy a better quality of life. "We believe the local authorities will give us useful information and activities there," Malor said.

Worasak Panthong, deputy head of the Mae Hong Son territorial-defence volunteers, said 45 long-neck hilltribe people agreed to move yesterday. Following their relocation, there will be only 19 families of long-neck people left at Ban Huai Sua Thao.

Pongdej Tipyoo, head of the Mae Hong Son Governor's Office, said authorities would allow long-neck people at Ban Huai Poo Kaeng to live according to their traditional culture.

"Tourists can come to visit this community and see their way of life without paying any fee," he said.

About 200 long-neck people have long been settled in Ban Huai Poo Kaeng, which is close to the Burmese border.

The Nation