The Mani people submitted a petition urging the discontinuation of the terms "Ngeaw Pa - Sakai" to restore ethnic dignity and humanity.
On 15 June 2026 GMT+7, representatives of the Mani ethnic group, along with civil society networks and academics, delivered a letter to Ms. Radkela Intawong Suwankhiri, party-list MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, calling for government agencies to stop using the terms "Ngeaw Pa" and "Sakai" in official documents and public signs, and to replace them with "Mani," which reflects their true identity.
Mani representatives revealed that the terms "Ngeaw Pa" and "Sakai" have long caused pain within their community. Although these terms have been used in Thai society for a long time, they reinforce negative stereotypes, diminish human value, and directly affect the psyche of ethnic children and youth who face teasing and discrimination.
The Mani's request proposed ending the use of these terms and urged all government agencies to discontinue "Ngeaw Pa" and "Sakai" in favor of the correct term "Mani," the name the ethnic group uses for themselves. They also called for revising media, official documents, public signs, textbooks, and state educational materials to align with human rights principles and the 2025 Ethnic Group Life Protection and Promotion Act.
Ms. Radkela Intawong Suwankhiri received the petition and expressed agreement, stating that referring to ethnic groups by their chosen names is not merely about words but concerns rights, equality, and human dignity. She noted that what many see as just words can be lifelong wounds for others. She emphasized the need to listen to those directly affected and to build a society that truly respects everyone's human dignity.
Ms. Radkela confirmed she would bring the Mani people's issues and proposals into relevant government mechanisms to coordinate and promote concrete policy changes, aiming to foster a Thai society that embraces cultural diversity and equality for all groups sustainably.