Population

Karen live in both Burma and Thailand. There are no recent census figures, but we estinate that there are about four million members of the Karenic group in Burma, the majority being Sgaw and Pwo.

There were approximately 246,000 Sgaw and Pwo in Thailand in mid-1983 about 20% being Pwo. Karen villages are found fron the northern provinces of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son all the way down the western border of Thailand to the Isthmus of Kra – scattered throughout 15 provinces

If a line were drawn fron Mae Sariang through Hod (Chiang Mai Province) and on into Lamphun Province, most of the Pwo Karen in Thailand would be south of the line, including pockers of Pwo in Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces. Throughout the rest of the Karen areas the Sgaw are predominant.

Name "Karen"

The largest tribal group in Thailand is called ‘Karen’ in English (emphasis on the second syllable). They are calles ‘Kariang’ by the Central Thai. While the Northern Thai refer to then as ‘Yang’.

There are two major divisions of Karen in Thailand: Sgaw and Pwo. Two other Karenic groups found in very small numbers in Mae Hong Son Province are the Pa O (Taungthu, or Tongsu). And the Kayah (Karenni, or Bwe). This represent less than 1% of the total Karen population in Thailand.

The Sgaw (sometimes written S’kaw) Karen refer to themselves as ‘Pg’a Kanyaw Sg’aw’, which means ‘the Sgaw people’.(Note:The g’ indicates a fricative g.) They call the Pwo ‘Pg’a Kanyaw Pg’o’. the Pwi, however, refer to themselves as ‘Phlong’, or ‘Phlong Shu’.
The Karen are the only group for which we are not using the name they call themselves, since sub-groups of their tribe.

About Karen People in Thailand

The Karen is the largest highland group in Thailand. There are two major subtribes, namely Sgaw Karen and Pwo Karen. Karen population is estimated at around 438,131 which is about 36.41% of the total hilltribe population of Thailand.
Karen women are noted for their ikat (tie-dye) weaving, using cotton thread and natural dyes. The weaving is done on a back strap loom. Karen living in different areas produce their own style of dresses, which give rich variety to handicrafts produced. Some of them embroider using Job's tears (seeds) for embellishment.
Karen men produce baskets, musical instruments, betel nut boxes and animal bells.

More Informaiton about Karen People in Thailand : http://karen.hilltribe.org/english/