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Hill tribe (Thailand) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Thai Hill Tribes: Society, Culture, and Policy

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Thai Hill Tribes: Society, Culture, and Policy Study Guide

Defining "Hill Tribes" and Terminology

The designation "Hill tribe" in Thailand is exclusively applied to ethnic groups residing within the northernmost mountain ranges.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Hill tribe" in Thailand refers to various ethnic groups predominantly residing in the high mountainous regions of northern and western Thailand, as well as border areas with Laos and Burma. These areas are characterized by mountainous terrain, some covered in thick forests and others heavily impacted by deforestation.

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The Thai designation "chao khao" is commonly translated as "mountain people" or "mountain folk."

Answer: True

Explanation: The Thai term for "Hill tribe" is "chao khao," which literally translates to "mountain people" or "mountain folk." In Northern Thai dialects, analogous terms such as "chao doy" or "khon doy" are also employed.

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By 2004, the official designation for hill tribes in Thailand had expanded to include more ethnic minorities, known as Ethnic Hill tribes.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 2004, the designation had broadened to encompass additional ethnic minorities, resulting in the term "Klum chatiphan Chao khao," or "Ethnic Hill tribes," which included groups such as the Kachin, Dara’ang, Mlabri, and Shan.

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In the 19th century, the mountain tribes represented the largest non-Buddhist population group within Thailand.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 19th century, the tribes living in the mountain ranges constituted the largest non-Buddhist group within Thailand. Their mountain locations were considered remote and difficult to access during that period.

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The term "chao khao" began appearing in official Thai documents in the late 1950s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "chao khao" started appearing in official Thai documents in the 1960s.

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The historical "hill and valley" dichotomy in Thailand did not place dominant Thai groups in higher elevations; rather, it characterized dominant groups occupying fertile lowlands and less powerful groups residing in higher elevations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term "chao khao" reflects a historical "hill and valley" dichotomy, wherein dominant ethnic groups, such as the Dai/Tai/Thai, typically occupied the fertile intermontane basins and valleys, while less powerful groups were situated in the higher, less desirable mountainous regions.

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In 1959, the Thai government officially recognized nine distinct ethnic groups as "Hill Tribes": the Akha, Hmong, Htin, Iu-Mien, Karen, Khamu, Lahu, Lisu, and Lua.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial cohort of nine ethnic groups officially designated as "Hill Tribes" by the Thai government in 1959 comprised the Akha, Hmong, Htin, Iu-Mien, Karen, Khamu, Lahu, Lisu, and Lua.

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The term "Highland Thais" is a more recent designation for groups living in mountainous areas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term "Highland Thais" is a more contemporary designation used to refer to groups residing in Thailand's mountainous territories.

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The "hill and valley" dichotomy describes a historical relationship where less powerful groups occupied fertile lowlands.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "hill and valley" dichotomy historically placed dominant groups in fertile lowlands and less powerful groups in higher elevations.

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The Kachin and Shan were among the original nine groups officially recognized as "Hill Tribes" in 1959.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kachin and Shan were not among the original nine groups recognized in 1959; they were included in the expanded "Ethnic Hill tribes" designation by 2004.

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The term "Highland Thais" is an older, traditional term for mountain-dwelling peoples.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Highland Thais" is a more recent designation, contrasting with older terms like "chao khao."

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The term "chao khao" reflects a historical social hierarchy based on settlement location.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term "chao khao" signifies a "hill and valley" dichotomy, reflecting historical social stratification where dominant groups occupied fertile lowlands and less powerful groups resided in higher elevations.

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Which of the following was NOT among the nine ethnic groups initially recognized as "Hill Tribes" in 1959?

Answer: Shan

Explanation: The Shan were not among the original nine groups recognized in 1959; they were included in the expanded "Ethnic Hill tribes" designation by 2004.

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During the 19th century, what demographic distinction did mountain tribes hold within Thailand?

Answer: They were the largest non-Buddhist group.

Explanation: During the 19th century, the mountain tribes represented the largest non-Buddhist population group within Thailand.

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The concept represented by the term "chao khao" highlights a dichotomy between:

Answer: Hill and Valley settlements

Explanation: The term "chao khao" signifies a "hill and valley" dichotomy, reflecting historical social stratification based on settlement location.

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Which term represents a more recent designation for ethnic groups inhabiting the mountainous regions of Thailand?

Answer: Highland Thais

Explanation: The term "Highland Thais" is a more contemporary designation used to refer to groups residing in Thailand's mountainous territories.

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Historically, what was the typical settlement pattern of the Dai/Tai/Thai people in relation to less powerful ethnic groups?

Answer: In the fertile intermontane basins and valleys.

Explanation: Historically, the Dai/Tai/Thai populations predominantly occupied the fertile intermontane basins and valleys, contrasting with the settlement patterns of less powerful groups in higher elevations.

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In which decade did the term "chao khao" commence appearing in official Thai governmental documentation?

Answer: 1960s

Explanation: The term "chao khao" began to appear in official Thai documents during the 1960s.

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Which of the following ethnic groups was notably excluded from the expanded "Ethnic Hill tribes" designation implemented by 2004?

Answer: Htin

Explanation: The Htin were not included in the expanded "Ethnic Hill tribes" designation established by 2004, which encompassed groups such as the Kachin, Dara’ang, Mlabri, and Shan.

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Key Ethnic Groups: Akha, Iu-Mien, Karen, and Others

The Lisu are identified as one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Lisu are recognized as one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand, each possessing distinct linguistic and cultural characteristics.

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The Akha language belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akha language belongs to the Lolo/Yi branch of the Tibeto-Burman language group, not the Tai-Kadai family.

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Akha males traditionally could trace their genealogy back only about twenty generations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Akha males traditionally maintain genealogical records tracing back over fifty generations to the progenitor, Sm Mi O.

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The Iu Mien are differentiated primarily by the distinct clothing styles worn by different subgroups.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Iu Mien are differentiated primarily by the distinct languages they speak, rather than solely by clothing styles.

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Iu Mien Elders claim their people originated from an area in modern-day Mongolia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Iu Mien Elders claim their people originated from an area in southern China, encompassing modern-day Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces, which they historically ruled.

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A conflict between the last Iu Mien king and the Chinese emperor occurred roughly 200 years ago.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conflict between the last Iu Mien king, King Pan, and the Chinese emperor occurred approximately 800 years ago, not 200 years ago.

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The treaty following the Iu Mien conflict allowed them to form their own government in exchange for loyalty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The treaty explicitly forbade the Iu Mien from forming their own government or pursuing their own nation, although it allowed them to maintain their identity and culture.

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After losing their nation, the Iu Mien organized into large, centralized city-states.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the loss of their nation, the 12 Iu Mien clans separated into small villages, often consisting of 15 to 20 related families, due to the mountainous terrain and lack of centralized authority.

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The Karen people are also known as Kariang or Yang.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karen people are known by various names, including K'nyaw (in S'gaw Karen), Karen, Kariang, and Yang.

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There are approximately 320,000 Karen people in Thailand, representing about half of the country's total hill tribe population.

Answer: True

Explanation: Approximately 320,000 Karen people reside in Thailand, constituting about half of the nation's total hill tribe population.

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The Akha people are sometimes derogatorily referred to in Thai as the "Khamu."

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akha people are sometimes derogatorily referred to in Thai as the "Gaw" or "E-gaw," not "Khamu."

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The Iu Mien subgroup constitutes the vast majority of the Yao population in Thailand, making up 70% of the total.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Iu Mien subgroup represents the majority of the Yao population in Thailand, accounting for 70% of the total.

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The conflict between King Pan and the Chinese emperor resulted in the Iu Mien retaining most of their territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The territorial conflict resulted in the majority of the Iu Mien territory being captured by the Chinese emperor.

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Iu Mien women traditionally focused on governance and leadership roles within their communities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionally, Iu Mien women were primarily responsible for household management and the upbringing of children.

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The Akha people in Thailand are ethnically distinct and have no relation to groups in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akha people of Thailand are ethnically closely related to the Hani people, who are primarily located in China's Yunnan province.

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The Akha traditionally possessed a well-developed written language prior to significant outside contact.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akha traditionally did not possess a written language for their spoken tongue prior to significant external influence.

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The treaty signed by King Pan allowed the Iu Mien to establish their own independent nation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The treaty explicitly forbade the Iu Mien from establishing their own independent nation, despite allowing them to maintain their cultural identity.

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The Karen people are estimated to number between 7.5 and 14 million across Southeast Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Population estimates for the Karen people across Southeast Asia range broadly between 7.5 million and 14 million individuals.

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The Iu Mien claim descent from a civilization that ruled in northern China.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to oral tradition, Iu Mien Elders claim their people originated from and ruled as a civilization in southern China, encompassing modern-day Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces.

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The Akha are closely related to the Hani people of China's Yunnan province.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Akha people of Thailand are ethnically closely related to the Hani people, who are primarily located in China's Yunnan province.

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The Palaung are listed as one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Palaung are recognized as one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand, each possessing distinct linguistic and cultural characteristics.

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Which of these is considered one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand?

Answer: Palaung

Explanation: The Palaung are recognized as one of the seven major hill tribes in Thailand, each possessing distinct linguistic and cultural characteristics.

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The Akha language belongs to which branch of the Tibeto-Burman language group?

Answer: Lolo/Yi

Explanation: The Akha language is classified within the Lolo/Yi branch of the Tibeto-Burman language group.

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According to Akha tradition, how many generations can males trace their lineage?

Answer: Over 50 generations

Explanation: Akha males traditionally maintain genealogical records tracing back over fifty generations to the progenitor, Sm Mi O.

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Which specific subgroup constitutes the majority, comprising 70%, of the Yao population in Thailand?

Answer: Iu Mien

Explanation: The Iu Mien subgroup represents the majority of the Yao population in Thailand, accounting for 70% of the total.

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Approximately 800 years ago, a significant conflict arose between the Iu Mien and the Chinese emperor concerning what issue?

Answer: A war over disputed territory

Explanation: A major conflict between the Iu Mien and the Chinese emperor, occurring roughly 800 years ago, stemmed from a territorial dispute.

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What was a principal restriction imposed upon the Iu Mien people by the treaty negotiated with the Chinese emperor?

Answer: They could not form their own government or nation.

Explanation: A significant restriction stipulated by the treaty was the prohibition of the Iu Mien from establishing their own independent government or nation, although they could maintain their cultural identity.

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What is the estimated total population of the Karen people across the Southeast Asian region?

Answer: From 7.5 million to 14 million

Explanation: Estimates for the total Karen population across Southeast Asia range broadly between 7.5 million and 14 million individuals.

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The Akha people in Thailand maintain close ethnic affiliations with which specific group residing in China?

Answer: The Hani

Explanation: The Akha people of Thailand are ethnically closely related to the Hani people, who are primarily located in China's Yunnan province.

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What was the territorial outcome of the conflict between King Pan and the Chinese emperor?

Answer: The Chinese emperor captured most of the Iu Mien territory.

Explanation: The territorial conflict resulted in the majority of the Iu Mien territory being captured by the Chinese emperor.

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What was the traditional domestic role assigned to Iu Mien women within their communities?

Answer: Minding household chores and raising children

Explanation: Traditionally, Iu Mien women were primarily responsible for household management and the upbringing of children.

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What is the approximate population of Akha individuals residing within Thailand?

Answer: 70,000

Explanation: Approximately 70,000 Akha people reside in Thailand.

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What colloquial name was given to the treaty signed between King Pan and the Chinese emperor?

Answer: The Passport to travel in the hill

Explanation: The treaty was colloquially known as the "Passport to travel in the hill" or "Passport to cross the mountain."

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What distinctive cultural practice associated with the Karen people is depicted in the accompanying image description?

Answer: A long-necked woman with a child

Explanation: The image description refers to the practice of wearing neck rings, as exemplified by a Karen woman and child.

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Following the loss of their nation, the 12 Iu Mien clans primarily organized into small villages due to which underlying factor?

Answer: The mountainous terrain and lack of centralized authority

Explanation: The mountainous terrain and the absence of centralized authority were the primary factors leading the Iu Mien clans to organize into small, dispersed villages after losing their nation.

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Cultural Practices and Worldviews

Akha Zang signifies a prescribed lifestyle for the Akha people, incorporating animism, ancestor worship, and shamanism.

Answer: True

Explanation: "Akha Zang," meaning "The Akha Way," represents a comprehensive lifestyle framework for the Akha people, integrating animistic beliefs, ancestor veneration, and shamanistic practices.

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The depletion of soil due to slash-and-burn farming prompted the Iu Mien to migrate south into Vietnam.

Answer: True

Explanation: The intensive slash-and-burn farming methods employed by the Iu Mien led to severe soil depletion, transforming the mountainous regions into desert-like conditions and prompting their migration, eventually south into Vietnam.

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The Akha worldview does not establish a sharp distinction between the realms of nature and humankind.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Akha worldview is characterized by a holistic perspective where nature and humankind are not rigidly separated but are understood as part of a continuum of consciousness.

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The Karen people primarily practice slash-and-burn agriculture, similar to many other hill tribes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Unlike many other hill tribes, the Karen primarily practice settled agriculture, notably developing sustainable terraced rice fields, rather than slash-and-burn methods.

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The Akha Zang emphasizes a worldview where nature and humankind are distinctly separate entities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akha Way (Akha Zang) emphasizes a holistic worldview where nature and humankind are not distinctly separated but form a continuum.

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What was the primary traditional agricultural practice of the hill-dwelling peoples in Thailand?

Answer: Slash-and-burn cultivation

Explanation: The hill-dwelling peoples were traditionally primarily subsistence farmers, utilizing slash-and-burn agricultural techniques to cultivate land within their forested communities.

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What does the term "Akha Zang" signify within Akha culture?

Answer: The Akha concept of a prescribed lifestyle

Explanation: "Akha Zang," meaning "The Akha Way," represents a comprehensive lifestyle framework for the Akha people, integrating animistic beliefs, ancestor veneration, and shamanistic practices.

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What environmental degradation resulting from Iu Mien slash-and-burn agricultural practices necessitated migration?

Answer: Desertification of the mountains

Explanation: The intensive slash-and-burn farming methods employed by the Iu Mien led to severe soil depletion, transforming the mountainous regions into desert-like conditions and prompting their migration.

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What is a fundamental characteristic of the Akha worldview concerning the relationship between humanity and the natural environment?

Answer: Nature and humankind are not distinguished, forming a continuum.

Explanation: A foundational element of the Akha worldview posits a continuum between nature and humankind, eschewing a strict dichotomy between the two.

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Which of the following statements is NOT characteristic of the Akha Way (Akha Zang)?

Answer: A clear distinction between spiritual and material worlds

Explanation: The Akha Way does not emphasize a clear distinction between the spiritual and material worlds; rather, it integrates them holistically.

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Socio-Economic Context and Integration

The assertion that tourism has exerted a negligible economic impact on hill tribes in Thailand is inaccurate.

Answer: True

Explanation: The growth of cultural and adventure tourism, which frequently involves visits to tribal communities, has increasingly contributed to the economic sustenance of the hill tribes.

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Karen agricultural practices, such as terraced rice fields, have hindered their integration into Thai society.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karen's development of sustainable terraced rice fields and their practice of living in permanent villages have actually facilitated their integration into Thai society, contrasting with more migratory practices of other groups.

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The Karen's sustainable terraced rice fields have contributed to their better integration into Thai society.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development and maintenance of sustainable terraced rice fields by the Karen have facilitated their improved integration into mainstream Thai society.

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The primary reason for the forced relocation of hill tribes was their refusal to engage in tourism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary reasons for forced relocation included border security concerns, population pressure, and perceptions of environmental impact from their agricultural practices, not refusal to engage in tourism.

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The Karen people's integration is partly due to their practice of living in permanent villages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karen's practice of residing in permanent villages, alongside their development of sustainable terraced rice fields, has demonstrably facilitated their integration into Thai society.

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How has tourism influenced the economic situation of hill tribes?

Answer: It has become an increasing source of income through cultural and adventure travel.

Explanation: The growth of cultural and adventure tourism, which frequently involves visits to tribal communities, has increasingly contributed to the economic sustenance of the hill tribes.

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In what manner do the Karen's sustainable terraced rice cultivation practices contribute to their integration within Thai society?

Answer: They have helped them integrate better into Thai society.

Explanation: The development and maintenance of sustainable terraced rice fields by the Karen have facilitated their improved integration into mainstream Thai society.

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In what way did the Karen's establishment of permanent villages and development of terraced fields influence their societal standing?

Answer: They facilitated better integration into Thai society.

Explanation: The Karen's practice of residing in permanent villages and cultivating sustainable terraced rice fields has demonstrably facilitated their integration into Thai society.

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