POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

The research of "Political Knowledge and Ethnic Groups in Phayao Province" has two goals: 1) to investigate the political awareness of ethnic groups in Phayao Province, and 2) to examine the regional political strategy of ethnic groups in Phayao Province. It is a documentary study that was done by interviewing nine significant informants and gathering information from secondary sources. According to the findings, Phayao is a minor province. The majority of people practice Buddhism and work in agriculture. Natural resources including soil, water, and forestry are abundant locally. The locals live a straightforward lifestyle and practice Lanna culture. Namely, the following ethnic groups may be found residing in Phayao Province: Lisu (Lisaw), China, Muser, Akha, Mien, Hmong, Lue, Lua, Karen, and Northern Thai which stay in different districts that are in Chiang Kham, Mae Chai, Phayao, Dok Kham Tai, Chiang Muan, Pong, and Phu Sang. Tai Lue is the most, especially in Chiang Kham District.

The representatives of ethnic groups in politics can carry out political activity by promoting the interests of their own groups and local organizations. It refers to the central government's benefit distribution, which is offered as the policy to implement in relation to their own groups and others in the same areas in order to propose the state policy, national interest, community benefits, and reconciliation that will be built up to the communities of villages, monasteries, and schools. Government organizations are willing, aware, and actively involved in fostering a culture of self-sufficiency in their own communities. To create a vibrant, orderly society among the numerous ethnic communities in Phayao Province, it is built on the principles of each ethnic community's laws, customs, cultures, and traditions.