ABSTRACT
The highlands of Northern Thailand cover 70% of the land area of that region. They are populated mainly by the 'hill tribes" who have had a low state of agricultural development and were unable to produce sufficient rice and other food crops to meet their needs. Problems are created by the free availability of many pesticides in Thailand. Over 300 pesticides are marketed, including many which are banned or subject to restrictions in other countries. For a number of reasons, the emphasis in highland agriculture in Thailand has been on pest control by pesticides, and many are used without regard to their appropriateness for hill tribes. The Highland Plant Protection Program has taken some action to control the situation, but many problems have arisen from factors beyond their control. Action needs to be taken at higher levels, to encourage only appropriate crops and cultivation practices and to regulate pesticide availability.
