1. Culture and tradition
Sites in national parks provide opportunities to learn
about forms of culture and tradition that have existed at
different times and places across what is today known as
Thailand. Artifacts such as paintings, written tablets,
domestic utensils, and structural remains reflect the
unique character of a certain tribe or race of people,
providing evidence of their social makeup, livelihood,
belief systems and religions. Cultural and traditional sites
from 3 distinct periods in history can be distinguished.
Prehistoric: Prehistoric paintings have been found on
rocks in many national parks, including Pha Taem, Phu Sa
Dok Bua, Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi, Ao
Phang-nga, and Than Bok Khorani. These art works
indicate the life and character of the people who made
them. They were made in the time before written
alphabets and thus in many cases are rare clues about the
people of the time.
Significant Khmer cultural sites which include temple
remains, stupa and ruins of other religious structures are
found in two parks in the Northeast – Ta Phraya National
Park and Khao Phra Wihan National Park.
Some national parks are home to indigenous tribes
that have developed unique lifestyles and cultural
practices. Visitors to these parks have the chance to learn
about tribal ways, ceremonies and art and craft.
Examples of indigenous tribes inside parks include the
Sagaia tribe in Tha Le Ban National Park and Bang Lang
National Park and the Morgan or Sea Gypsies who inhabit
island communities in Mu Ko Surin National Park, Mu Ko
Ra – Ko Phra Thong National Park, Mu Ko Phayam
National Park and Tarutao National Park. Notable too is
the Malbri tribe (known in Thai as the ‘yellow leaf people’)
in Nanthaburi National Park, a nomadic community which
moves about the forest living in their traditional ways in
harmony with nature.

2. Distinctive tribes are a feature of the high mountain
forests in the far north and many national parks there are
home to communities of ethnic Karen, Hmong and Lisu
tribespeople.