Lamet in Thailand


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Lamet are among the original inhabitants of the northwestern region of Laos. They are related to the Lao Thung (the "mountainside Laotians") who live west of the Annamite Chain. The Lao Thung make up approximately one-quarter of the total population of Laos; whereas, the Lamet number only a small fraction of that number.

The Lamet live in villages that are scattered throughout the remote mountain regions of northwestern Laos. They sometimes go to the lowlands to find part-time wage-earning jobs so that they might purchase necessary items. Sadly, they are regarded as inferior by those who inhabit the lowlands, and are often referred to as kha (slaves). Some of the Lamet have accepted this status and use local myths to rationalize their position.

The Lamet speak a Mon-Khmer language, also called Lamet, that is related to Palaung and Wa. Most adult males also speak Tai Yuan.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Although Lamet villages are self-contained and self-sufficient, they are not isolated. There are very few political or social customs that extend beyond the village. Each household consists of about six to seven members. Family roles are clearly defined in the Lamet household; the male head of the household sits in village meetings and makes all decisions concerning the family.

Lamet houses are built on wooden or bamboo piles and have indoor kitchens. The village is usually divided in half by the men's common house, or meeting place, in the middle of the village.

After marriage, the newly married man lives with his wife's family and works for her father. The man then begins to make marriage payments. When all is paid, the couple either sets up their own household or moves in with the husband's father.

Differences in wealth exist in most villages, and these differences affect the function of the village. The village headmen, or pho ban, serve as a link between the Lao officials and the villagers. Some of the headmen have secured their positions simply because they were wealthy.

Among the Lamet, there is a clear line of distinction drawn between those who are wealthy and those who are not. To acquire the status of lem, or "one who is wealthy," a man must acquire wealth in the form of buffalo, chimes, and bronze drums, and be "acknowledged" by an established lem. The village lem are responsible for settling disputes and making important decisions.

The Lamet engage in farming and hunting. The farmers primarily use the "slash and burn" method of agriculture. Rice is their staple crop. Trading is done with the Lao and Thai for items such as tools, clothes, and pottery.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lamet are primarily animists (believe that non-living objects have spirits). They call these spirits phi. They believe that the phi dwell everywhere and cause both good and evil. The Lamet are also involved in ancestor worship (praying to the dead for help and guidance). Ancestor spirits are important to the Lamet because they supposedly look out for the well being of the household.

The Lamet enjoy various religious celebrations and village ceremonies. These are usually conducted by the spirit practitioner, or xemia, who is responsible for making all the sacrifices to the village spirits.


What Are Their Needs?

Communication with the Lamet is not easy because of the rough terrain and the isolation of the region in which they live. This region has also been the location of various civil and international wars. These wars have brought severe hardships to the Lamet. These precious people have a tremendous need for true, inner peace.

A written language does not exist among the Lamet. Prayer is the key to seeing them reached with the Gospel.


Prayer Points

Pray that God will send forth many laborers to work among the Lamet.
Pray that missions organizations and churches will accept the challenge of adopting and reaching the Lamet.
Pray that the few Lamet believers will rise to the challenge of taking the Gospel to their people.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the spiritual soil of Laos through worship and intercession.
Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Lamet who will boldly declare the Gospel.


Scripture Prayers for the Lamet in Thailand.


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

People Name General Lamet
People Name in Country Lamet
Alternate Names Kha Lamet; Khamed; Khamet; Lamed; Lemet; Rmeet
Population this Country 200
Population all Countries 24,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 12649
ROP3 Code 104890
ROP25 Code 304575
ROP25 Name Lamet
Country Thailand
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Lampang, Chiangrai   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Country Thailand
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Lampang, Chiangrai.   Source:  Ethnologue 2010

No people group map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.


Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
5.00 %
Ethnic Religions
95.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Rmeet
Language Code lbn   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Rmeet
Language Code lbn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Rmeet

Primary Language:  Rmeet

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2014)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



Joshua Project logo    Joshua Project    Copyright © 2024