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.
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.
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."
The Thai people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.
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.
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 | 31 (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 | 31 (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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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) |
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) | Online |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Deepak Meena - Pixabay |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |