governments

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PREFACE
whole family of Bwotong. In the same special category as the Miao,
who now treat him as one of their own, is my fiend, companion in the
hills, and colleague in the study, Khun Nusit Chindarsi.
To the Government of Thailand I am grateful for the complete
freedom given to me to pursue my studies and express my opinions.
My closest and most pleasant relationship in official circles was with
Khun Wanat Bhruksasri, the Director of the Tribal Research Centre,
but much help was received also &om the Director and other officers of
the Department of Public Welfare, particularly Khun Prasit Disawat
and members of the Hill Tribes Division.
Most if not all the tribespeople living within the borders of Thailand
recognize the supreme status of the King, whose position they generally
regard as founded in the nature of the cosmic order and therefore
independent of the actual functioning of government. The faith in his
benignity has in the reign of the present monarch been justified in
reality by a deep and growing interest in their welfare. Since this study
was completed the King has made several visits to Meto and it has
become a principal village in the programme of assistance to the
tribes which he personally directs and largely finances.
Particular thanks are also due to the following organizations and
people: the Rockefeller Foundation; the United Nations Narcotics
Division; the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research
for assistance in the cost of the film; the Australian Research Grants
Committee; the Australian Embassy in ~ hdand and the Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Donald Gibson, the British Consul
in Chiengmai; Mr. Richard Wood, Mr. and Mrs. WiEed Brown,
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Sewell, and other friends in Chiengmai. My wife
spent much time with me in Meto aiding the study in very many ways.
Mrs. Annelise Momoh, my secretary, and Miss Margaret Hamon were
of great assistance in preparing the manuscript.