Akha or Ikaw

The Akha are ethnologically related to the Lolo tribal groups in southern China, like the Lisu and the Lahu; they all have originated in the Tibetan Plateau and then migrated southward to South China, Burma and Laos, and some came to Thailand about 90 years ago. They first came to settle down in Ban Phaya Phrai, Mae Hua Kham in the district of Mae Chan in the province of Chiang Rai; but now the Akha can be found in provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet and Phrae. Newcomers from Burma still continue to come to live in Thailand. Three main subgroups of the Akha are U Lo, Loimi and Phami; they all speak a Tibeto-Burman language.

Most Akha settlements are located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level. The Akha are shifting cultivators, like many other highland tribes. Their basis social unit is an extended family; polygamy is commonly practiced among them. The Akha are culturally patriarch.

The Akha are strict practitioners of animism. Together with this and complex social rituals, the culture of the Akha is formed. That creates difficulties for them to change and to adapt themselves to changing and new social and economic circumstances. The Akha celebrate their New Year in December.