Shackled for life (eng subs)

The long neck Karens originate from the Kaya State in Myanmar. Escaping from persecution by the Myanmar military, some families have seek refuge in Northern Thailand. Karens have their own spoken language and practise animism. Some have converted to Christianity or Buddhism.

As stateless refugees in Thailand, they live in extreme poverty, generally marginalised, accorded no rights and without an identity card they are restricted to the Northern border region. The Thai Government however does not harass them but they are easy victims for exploitation by the local landowners.

The women famously wear brass rings around their necks. (up to 20 rings)

Rings on the arms are worn on the forearm from wrist to elbow.

On the legs they are worn from ankle to the knee with lower part covered with cloth.

While myths and legends abound as to why they have developed this bizarre and peculiar culture, the brass rings and long neck features have made them popular tourist attractions.

Human rights groups have labelled these villages as human zoos.

Even though it is not the neck that is stretched, wearers have to endure pain particularly when the rings are worn starting at age of 5. There is still some distortion to the collar bone and compression of the rib cage.

It appears that the long neck Karens rather prefer to be tourist attractions than to suffer oppression at the hands of the military regime in Myanmar.

Perhaps the optimal way forward would be for the Thai Government to accord the hill tribes basic human rights protection and allow them to practise their own cultures which have evolved over 2000 years.

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[SavannahMichelleeeee]

@bejagorda24 Most places that still practice this are not forced into doing it. They are asked, they can refuse, most choose to do it anyway.

[bejagorda24]

How ingnorant are those woman they are brainwashed from beliving in their true selves