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Hilltribe Visitor Etiquette
It is kind, but not necessary, to give gifts to the peoples you visit. Some suggestions or alternatives to sweets and cigarettes are - balloons and other inexpensive toys, cosmetics, medical supplies antiseptic, mild painkillers such as aspirin, food, fruit, clothing, sewing supplies and foreign coins.

Follow the advice of your guide, don't be afraid to ask questions. Respect the fact that you are a guest visiting the homes and villages of these people. By showing them that you are genuinely interested in them, your friendliness, sincerity and goodwill are the most precious gifts you can offer.

This tribe is known by the Thais as "Phi Tong Luang", which means "spirits of the yellow leaves". There are only a few Mlabri still living in Thailand, just about 100 people. They can be found in the provinces of Nan and Phrae.

The Mlabri originate from Laos. These people are fragmented into extremely small, highly nomadic, family bands.

They used to rely almost exclusively on hunting and gathering. By custom they are not allowed to own rice fields but they can work as labourers in the fields the same as the Thais.

Mlabri practise patrilineal descent. The basic unit of their social organization is the band, consisting of three to a dozen members.

They usually move their campsites every week depending on the availability of their natural food supply.