Tho in Vietnam

Introduction / History

The Tho of Vietnam are from migrant groups of that country. They speak a Viet-Muong language but they usually can speak Vietnamese. They use modern day writing. The Tho work in agriculture and fish and hunt to get a living. They eat rice.

The Tho live mainly in large villages in the west parts of Nghe An Province. Their houses are built on stilts though many are now having their houses on the ground. They carry small items in baskets while oxen carry larger objects.

The Tho have a village chief who looks after community matters and tax collection. They marry mainly among themselves rather than between their community and other communities. Upon the birth of a baby, the midwife gives the baby a name. No stranger is allowed in the home until a month after the birth. They worship those among them who have just died as well as their ancestors, spirits and Buddha.

The Tho like to dance and play chess. The Chinese New Year is the main holiday among them. They have used the lunar calendar though the Western one is now being used.

Where Are they Located?

They live mainly in villages at Nghe An and definitely in two districts : Tan Ky and Nghia Dan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are subsistence farmers who raise sugarcane, rabbits, bulls and fruit trees. Family life is very important to them. Sometimes the family of children live with the parents in one house.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many people worship local idols and deceased relatives.

What Are Their Needs?

They need jobs and better financial situations, but mainly they need contact with christians and help with prosecutions. Christians are persecuted by authorities because of their faith. Some of them depart the faith because of fear of the persecution.

Prayer Points

Pray that the village chiefs will come to Salvation and lead others of the Tho to Jesus Christ,
Pray for complete freedom for the gospel message to be given in Vietnam.

Text Source:   Anonymous