Burning for a beloved mushroom: Northern Thai environmentalism and the contested narratives of a wild delicacy

As Northern Thailand’s annual smoke pollution has become increasingly salient in the public consciousness, het thop mushrooms (Astraeus) have become a conspicuous target of blame for environmental crises. The narrative that people burn the forest for sale of these mushrooms is countered by its widespread consumption and enjoyment, and its place as a product in the Northern Thai aesthetic and tradition. This article traces the emergence of competing discourses of het thop as both an object of derision and affection, paying attention to the actors involved and the narratives they deploy. It suggests that while environmentalism in Northern Thailand continues to be largely shaped by elite and exclusionary discourses, class-based changes such as contemporary expressions of “sustainability” have the potential to realign established environmental coalitions.

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Journal Article