Hilltribe musicians rock the stage in the north of Thailand

Hilltribe musicians at the press conference

With support from Plan Thailand and UNESCO the hilltribe musicians took the stage for the second International Pop concert in Chiangmai on 3 November to advocate for legal status and fight against HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and drug abuse.

The concert attracted over 5,000 highland minorities and lowland people
to see the performances of 20 popular Hilltribe singers, from seven ethnic groups, who led the show with songs, entertainment and messages delivered in  Karen, Hmong, Mien, Akha, Lisu, Tai Yai and Lahu languages.

“As one of the leading agencies advocating for birth registration and citizenship for hilltribe people, Plan Thailand is excited to be part of the event. It is a perfect place for the hilltribe peoples to raise their voice on issues affecting their lives including citizenship, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and human trafficking,” said Minty Pande, Plan Thailand’s Country Director.
 
Plan’s Thailand envoy and former Miss Thailand, Areeya Chumsai, took part in the concert’s press conference and performed as an MC at the event.

“I am glad to be part of this interesting initiative. The concert is not only an entertainment space but also an opportunity to let the lowland people see the ethnic minorities as ‘persons’. We need to spread the message that they are not second class citizens and should have the basic human rights of all Thais,” Areeya said.  

The show was broadcast live by Radio Thailand Chiang Mai, which transmitted across Thailand, southern China, Lao PDR, northern Viet Nam, Myanmar and parts of India. Thailand’s Channel 11 television station also conducted a simultaneous live prime time telecast for viewers throughout the kingdom.