Lao Ga
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,900 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Thailand | |
| Languages | |
| Lao,Thai | |
| Religion | |
| Theravada Buddhism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| OtherTai peoples,especiallyLaoandThai. |
TheLao Ga(Thai:ลาวกา,RTGS:Lao Ka,pronounced[lāːwkāː]), are aTaisub-ethnic group ofLao people.
Location[edit]
The Lao Ga are only found in Ban Thap Luang (บ้านทัพหลวง),Ban Rai District,Uthai Thani Province.The Lao Ga speak a dialect of theLao language,and number around 1,900.[1]
Alternate names[edit]
They are also known asLao Gao(Thai: ลาวเกา) or just plainGareferencing the creaky, crow-like way of speaking peculiar to their dialect ofLao.Gaoliterally meansscratchy,another attribute of the way Lao Ga speakers come across. Naturally, these terms are offensive.[2]
History[edit]
Like manyIsanpeople and more specifically, other ethnic Lao groups of Central Thailand, the Lao Ga are descendants of slaves and forcedcorvéelabourers brought after the Siamese conquest of the successor kingdoms ofLanxang,mostly from the region ofVientiane.This makes them historically related to theLao Wiang.Although many Lao groups assimilated into the greater Thai population (unlike inIsanwhere their large numbers and close contact with other Lao peoples inLaosprevented completeThaification), the Lao Ga were able to maintain their Lao language and traditions.
Culture[edit]
The Lao Ga practiseTherevada Buddhismwith various amounts of animism and ancestor veneration. Their culture is very similar to the Lao people from which they descend.
References[edit]
- ^Joshua Project – Lao Ga of Thailand Ethnic People Profile
- ^Hattaway, Paul. (2004).Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Guide.Pasadena: William Carey Library.
