The Karen tribe is one of the largest tribes in Thailand. There are four sub-tribes of the Karen people; Red, White, Kayah, and Pa-o.

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It is believed that they migrated from the northern Chinese and Mongolian regions of the Gobi Dessert to Burma before finally settling in different part of northern Thailand during 18th Century.

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In a total, 15 provinces are home to the Thai Karen tribe, some of which are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Lamphun. Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son holds the largest population of Karen people.