Thailand – Shan Tribe

Mark Riley had the privilege to go out to Thailand to help record some songs with the Shan, a people displaced by troubles in Burma. Sadly many are now living in refugee camps on the border of Thailand, where Mark met them. He asked me to help with the mixing of the songs when he came back. These are a few pictures from his trip.

“The Shan have probably the most fascinating history of any of Burma’s indigenous peoples. They have lived in the area that is today the Shan State of Burma for over a thousand years. Most Shan people live today in much the same way as they always have. The majority live in small, rural villages where they farm subsistence and cash crops such as rice and tropical and sub-tropical fruit and vegetables. Tea is also an important cash crop for the Shan. Outside the larger towns trade is conducted at local markets that are held every few days. A visit to one of these markets is a fascinating experience. Shan State has also historically been an important source of timber — especially teak — and metals such as silver and lead.” – (info from – The Peoples of the World Foundation).