Thai in Laos


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Thais in Laos referred to here are not the same language group as the Lao Isan or Tai Yuan in Laos. They have come across the Mekong River to trade in Laos and to own cheap land.

Although most experts in Laos do not believe there to be any Central Thai speakers in the country except for obvious cases such as embassy workers and businessmen, in fact there are a small number of Central Thais. The Thai can be found in the Phontong District of Chasmpasak Province, in Savannakhet City of Savannakhet Province, and in Vientiane City, the capital of Laos.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Thai in Laos earn their living from the bounty of the Mekong River. In parts of the river, the Paa Beuk (giant catfish) is caught every year between mid-April and May when the river is at its lowest. The giant catfish is believed to be the largest fresh-water fish in the world, measuring up to three meters (10 feet) in length and weighing up to 300 kg (660 pounds). A single fish can fetch up to US$ 4500 when sold to restaurants in Bangkok. In recent years the number of catfish caught has decreased to between 40-60 per season, suggesting that they will soon be unavailable.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The identity of the Thai people is wrapped up in their adherence to Buddhism. It is a common saying that "To be Thai is to be Buddhist." This cultural-religious tie has prevented many Thais from becoming Christians and has given Thailand a reputation for being a graveyard for mission.

When Thai monks enter the monk-hood they must agree to follow the Ten Precepts of Buddhism. These are: "I take the vow not to destroy life; I take the vow not to steal; I take the vow to abstain from impurity; I take the vow not to lie; I take the vow to abstain from intoxicating drinks, which hinder progress and virtue; I take the vow to abstain from dancing and singing, music and stage plays; I take the vow not to use garlands, scents, unguents, or ornaments; I take the vow not to use a high or broad bed; I take the vow not to receive gold or silver."


What Are Their Needs?

The Thai people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.


Prayer Points

Pray God will have mercy on the Thai, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to send Thai believers from Thailand to reach the Thai in Laos.
Pray that God's Kingdom would come to people living along the entire length of the mighty Mekong River.


Scripture Prayers for the Thai in Laos.


References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Thai
People Name in Country Thai
Pronunciation tye
Alternate Names Bangkok Thai; Central Tai; Khon Tai; Lao Song; Siamese; Siamese Thai; Tai Noi; Thai Khom; Thai Klang; Thai Song
Population this Country 150,000
Population all Countries 24,237,000
Total Countries 29
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
People ID 11277
ROP3 Code 101940
ROP25 Code 308102
ROP25 Name Thai
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Champasak and Savannakhet provinces, Vientiane City. Phontong district.   Source:  Faces of the Unreached in Laos, 1999
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Champasak and Savannakhet provinces, Vientiane City. Phontong district..   Source:  Faces of the Unreached in Laos, 1999

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
95.40 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.30 %)
0.60 %
Ethnic Religions
3.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
1.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Thai (150,000 speakers)
Language Code tha   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Thai (150,000 speakers)
Language Code tha   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Thai

Primary Language:  Thai

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1834-1967)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1843-1977)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1883-2020)
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YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Thai Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Photo Source Deepak Meena - Pixabay 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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