Mr. Kantapong Rangsisawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), presided over the opening ceremony of the “Highland Ethnic Festival 2026,” held from 21-23 March 2026 under the theme “The Royal Route: Weaving Bonds, Identity, Ethnic Ways, Driving Sustainable Welfare.” Chiang Mai Governor Mr. Ratthaphon Naradisorn welcomed the event, and Mr. Sarawut Moonpho, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, presented the report. The ceremony was attended by MSDHS executives, officials, network partners, local residents, and tourists at the Highland People Learning Museum, Lanna Garden R.9, Chiang Mai Province.
Mr. Kantapong stated that the MSDHS prioritizes social development based on cultural diversity, aiming to support ethnic groups in maintaining their unique identities while ensuring equal access to rights, welfare, and social opportunities. He praised the collaboration of all sectors in preserving and promoting the lifestyles of ethnic groups, ensuring their continued value within Thai society.
Mr. Kantapong added that this event represents an integrated collaboration between the Department of Social Development and Welfare, government agencies, private sector, civil society, and ethnic group networks under a "shared goal" to improve the quality of life for highland residents. This includes protecting rights and promoting participation from all sectors, especially in conserving, restoring, and enhancing the identities, lifestyles, and wisdom of ethnic groups, which are invaluable cultural resources of Thailand.
Mr. Kantapong revealed that the event features the identities and lifestyles of 10 ethnic groups: Karen, Khmu, Thin or Malphrai, Hmong, Iu Mien or Yao, Lua or Lawa, Lahu or Musoe, Lisu or Liso, Akha or Akho, and Malabri. Activities over three days include exhibitions on royal initiatives to improve highland residents’ quality of life, ethnographic lifestyle simulations, community product displays and sales, discussion forums, and traditional cultural performances. It also features a “Business Matching” activity offering highland community entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with markets, build trade networks, and sustainably develop their products for competitive markets.
Another key highlight is the exhibition “Father’s Coffee, Mother’s Weaving,” showcasing highland livelihood development alongside community product stalls offering textiles, clothing, handicrafts, silverware, coffee, local food, and beverages. Workshops are also held, allowing attendees and tourists to learn skills firsthand.
“The Highland Ethnic Festival 2026 demonstrates the strength of multi-sector collaboration in preserving unique lifestyles, connecting generations with unity to restore, conserve, and enhance ethnic identities, creating social value and safeguarding important cultural wisdom heritage for the nation,” Mr. Kantapong concluded.
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