Almost 2,000 Rais of illegal opium cultivation still exist in Thailand.
Most of the opium cultivation in Thailand is in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, and its neighboring areas. Omkoi has about 60,000 people of which 80% belongs to hill-tribe communities, mainly Karen. Due to its mountainous geographical conditions, economic development is much slower than other districts causing Omkoi one of the poorest areas in Thailand.
Omkoi, an Opium Safe Haven
Located the furthest south of Chiang Mai and fortified by mountainous rainforest, Omkoi becomes a safe haven for an illicit opium cultivation.
Amid Mountains and Rain90% of its area is covered by rain forest and several villages are in a valley, causing law enforcement difficult to maintain.
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Isolated AreasDuring a monsoon season, most of the dirt roads are cut off making it a perfect hiding place from a local government.
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Poverty DrivenWith a few opportunities, Karen hill tribe people have no many choices of livelihood to sustain their rising household expenses.
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Post-Opium Era
Local Karen hill tribe people used to rely on an opium cultivation as a main source of income. Getting them rid of the opium means risking their lives and leading to an unprecedented poverty. A solution to this problem is not about enforcing a stricter law but to foster the local people with a new livelihood.
A research in the affected area found that Karen families related to the opium tend to have at least one family member an opium addict. Higher rate of domestic violence is an inevitable consequence in those families where Karen women and children will eventually become a victim of such violence.
Moreover, earnings from the cultivation are usually collected by a husband and will be spent on unnecessary items such as drugs and tobacco. Karen ladies usually are a housewife with a supporting role making them less influence in the family; however, they are still responsible for cost of living, for instance, medical care, and educational expenses for their children.
A research in the affected area found that Karen families related to the opium tend to have at least one family member an opium addict. Higher rate of domestic violence is an inevitable consequence in those families where Karen women and children will eventually become a victim of such violence.
Moreover, earnings from the cultivation are usually collected by a husband and will be spent on unnecessary items such as drugs and tobacco. Karen ladies usually are a housewife with a supporting role making them less influence in the family; however, they are still responsible for cost of living, for instance, medical care, and educational expenses for their children.
Looking from an outsider, the opium is an evil, but for the locals, it is the livelihood.
"Once we stop growing opium, what would we do to survive?"
"Once we stop growing opium, what would we do to survive?"
Karen people living in Omkoi
Weaving the Cotton, Making Thailand Opium Free
The study team together with HappyFarmers has identified the Karen cotton fabric as a possible solution where we found that
- The fabric products are able survive transportation difficulties while other agricultural produce cannot;
- Every Karen lady already has weaving skills and ready to utilize them;
- Earnings from the fabric products will go to Karen ladies leading to an increase in equality in the family.
Based on the three key advantages, we believe that it could help transition Karen people from opium-addicted period to a post-opium era.
- The fabric products are able survive transportation difficulties while other agricultural produce cannot;
- Every Karen lady already has weaving skills and ready to utilize them;
- Earnings from the fabric products will go to Karen ladies leading to an increase in equality in the family.
Based on the three key advantages, we believe that it could help transition Karen people from opium-addicted period to a post-opium era.
"Cotton weaving will not only serve as an alternative livelihood but also a tool to empower Karen ladies."
Delicately Handcrafted for Executives
Hand-woven Karen-style fabric is always appreciated by textile lovers around the world. With its unique and beautiful fabric pattern, HappyFarmers wants to increase its value even higher by designing a set of gift that every executive must have.
'Executive Stationery Gift Set' and 'Traveler Kit Gift Set' will give a never-before giving experience. Highly touched by the story of building a new livelihood for Karen people and by the fabric texture and delicacy of Thai handcrafting, ultimate giving impression is just about to happen in your next occasion.
Giving the best experience, creating Thailand opium free.
HappyFarmers
'Executive Stationery Gift Set' and 'Traveler Kit Gift Set' will give a never-before giving experience. Highly touched by the story of building a new livelihood for Karen people and by the fabric texture and delicacy of Thai handcrafting, ultimate giving impression is just about to happen in your next occasion.
Giving the best experience, creating Thailand opium free.
HappyFarmers
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