The Karen Hilltribes Trust

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The Karen Hilltribes Trust

The Karen Hilltribes Trust is a community-led organisation that works to empower the Karen people living in Northern Thailand. Charity Number: 1093548

Based in York and northern Thailand

29/04/2026

This is not a natural waterfall. KHT's Flood Resistant Irrigation Systems use a steel frame, pipes and concrete to create a weir structure across rivers and allows for improved water management and protection for farmland from flooding.
This FRIS was built in 2010 and has continued to provide vital irrigation for the village of Ban Huay Mai Sang.

Villagers have been able to grow rice to reduce food insecurity and have not needed to build any wooden dams, ensuring the forest is better protected too.

25/04/2026

Today is World Malaria Day.
Malaria continues to be a risk for people living in remote and forested areas in Mae Hong Son. It can be especially dangerous during rainy season when there are naturally more mosquitos. KHT has supported families in isolated villages with treated anti mosquito nets and we are grateful for the support of the Rotary Club-Bangkok South for their partnership.
You can help us reach more families by donating to support our 'Transforming Community Health projects.

24/04/2026

Did you know that shallots are worth more when dried, than when fresh?
Many Karen farmers will dry shallots and also garlic as they have more value at market and are easier to sell.
Karen farmers don't just grow any crop- they must understand their land, understand the techniques and resources needing for growing a crop and understand its value at market.
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22/04/2026

Happy International Mother Earth Day!
Today is a call to action for all of us to take better care of our planet. Climate change is harming our world and the most vulnerable are often the poorest and more reliant on the land for their livelihoods.
We can learn about harmony between our needs and our environment through the lives of people like the Karen.
Whilst there are actions we can take to minimise our climate footprints and improve our ecosystems, we can also support those already on the frontlines managing and maintaining our forests and farms across the globe.

16/04/2026

The Colours of Songkran!

The festival of Songkran is an important religious holiday for many and the start of the Thai New Year. It is a time of celebration, community and reflection.
Many Karen families will gather to go to the temple and also visit each other's villages to build new bonds of friendship and co-operation. Food like steamed coconut rice cakes are eaten and colour is put on faces as a blessing for the year to come! All these acts create beautiful colours and memories.

13/04/2026

Building a Flood Resistant Irrigation System needs optimal weather and a lot of volunteers! Villagers will help lay the foundation, build the frame and create the concrete structure.
Although this is a lot of work, it is less work than having to fell trees and build bamboo dams every time they are destroyed. Our irrigation systems reduces the work villagers must do and negative environmental impact. The systems also increase incomes and crop yields, which improves the quality of life for Karen farmers.

10/04/2026

Bamboo isn't just what pandas eat! Bamboo is durable and fast growing and the Karen use it to build bridges, carry water and also use its shoots as food.
These bridges can withstand many people and even motorbikes!

07/04/2026

KHT works to transform the health of communities by providing clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene education and first aid training and kits. On World Health Day, we reiterate our commitment to supporting better health for Karen people.

Clean water is vital for longevity, quality of life and for the well being of communities.

You can help us reach more people by donating today!

03/04/2026

Did you know that billions of people globally lack access to safe sanitation facilities?
Many Karen villages do not have toilets and a safe place to shower in or close to their homes, meaning that people must use the forest or bathe in streams or rivers.
This can be very difficult for women, children and anyone older or with special needs.

KHT helps families builds latrines and shower spaces near their homes, thus bringing safety and dignity to their daily lives as well as improving health in the community by reducing waste contamination. Our Water Systems also ensure they have enough water to use for cleaning, this improving the overall health of villagers.

01/04/2026

Most Karen people live in the mountains and in remote villages. They rely on nature and live closely with nature. One traditional activity that men usually do is basket making. Basket making has been important for a long time. In the past, people did not have containers to carry or collect things, so they used bamboo to make baskets. These baskets can be used to collect many things, such as vegetables, fish from the river, and rice. Basket making is very useful and provides many benefits in daily life.

26/03/2026

KHT's Access to Education Programme ensures Karen children do not miss out on school due to poverty or due to living in remote villages. KHT has also provided de-worming, latrines, water filters and STEM equipment for schools.

The Karen greatly value education for their children and we see parents work hard and go to great lengths to ensure their children have opportunities they did not. We are proud to help Karen families and help nurture the talent and potential of children and youth.

24/03/2026

Nature's umbrella 🌿The Karen utilise their forests and rivers for food, medicines and also to build homes and to use as tools to carry water or improve their farming. Karen women also use thanaka paste on their face to protect from the sun and for beautification and other ingredients in their cooking and self care.
KHT's projects aim to protect the local environment by reducing open defecation and also the need for traditional bamboo dams. These small initiatives can have a huge and positive long term impact on protecting forests and the health of the Karen.

Address

The Karen Hilltribes Trust, Tower House, Fishergate
York
YO104UA

Telephone

+441904373001

Website

http://www.karenhilltribes.org.uk/

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