Synthesis Report on Marginalization of Vulnerable Indigenous Peoples in Thailand

This synthesis report of marginalized and vulnerable indigenous peoples in Thailand represents the cases of 10 indigenous groups who are targets of the Project on Development of community knowledge-based database system (CKBDS) for empowering the most marginalized and vulnerable indigenous groups in Thailand. These 10 indigenous groups comprise of Mlabri, Kow (Umpi), Bisu, Chong, Yakoor, Saek, Moken, Moklen, Urak-Lawoy, and Mani. The 10 target groups are encountering the problems of rights to nationality, land and access to natural resources, including the recognition of their identity. Their problems stem from two major causes: 1. The weakness of indigenous traditional institution in using and maintaining indigenous knowledge; 2. Impact from the enforcement of State authority and the influence of development efforts in relation to fundamental rights and access to natural resources.