The East Katuic language group comprises several tribes living in southern Laos near the border of Vietnam. These groups include the Ir, the Kantu, the Katang, the Lor, the Pacoh, and the Upper Taoih. Although they speak distinct dialects, they all belong to the East Katu branch of the Mon Khmer language family.
Most likely the Mon Khmer-speaking tribes were the original settlers of this region; however, they were pushed out of the best valley lands in the early centuries A.D. by Thai-speaking peoples. Although the Khmer civilization existed before other people groups moved into the region, their power declined after being conquered by the Thai and Vietnamese.
Today the Pacoh people live in Laos and Vietnam.
The Pacoh live in the mountainous regions where they practice slash and burn farming. Many also hunt and gather to supplement their diets. The villagers are self-sufficient. They grow their own rice, have their own vegetable gardens, gather fruit from the forests, and fish in the nearby ponds, rivers, or even in the rice fields! They trade surplus rice and produce in the market for salt and other necessities.
Pacoh families are patrilineal, so they trace the line of descent through the males of the family. Villages comprise extended family units, who usually live in "longhouses" (long, communal dwellings that have central corridors with family compartments on either side). These long houses are built on stilts and strategically organized in geometric patterns as a means of protection. They raise pigs, chickens and ducks under or near their houses.
A loosely organized council of elders governs each village. Of the elders is considered the "village headman." He is the link to the central government, but his role is not clear. In Buddhist settlements, the core of the village is a Buddhist temple where a monk lives.
The overwhelming majority of the Pacohs are ethnic religionists. Although they may recognize a creator god, they also worship and fear a large group of spirits called phi. These spirits have much influence over their daily activities. They sacrifice to the phi that they believe inhabit the rivers, forests and mountains in order to gain their favor.
The Pacoh people need better medical facilities and schools so they can compete in Vietnam's rapidly modernizing economy.
Pray that a family-based movement to Christ will soon transform Pacoh society, blessing them spiritually and economically.
Pray for Pacoh decision makers in Vietnam to open their communities to Christ's ambassadors.
Pray the hearts of the Pacoh people would be stirred to hunger after God, to drink of living water.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of believers to give up their own rights and sacrifice their lives to see the Pacoh people blessed by the work of Jesus Christ, the only Savior.
Scripture Prayers for the Pacoh in Vietnam.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Pacoh |
People Name in Country | Pacoh |
Alternate Names | Bo; Bo River Van Kieu; Pako; River Van Kieu; Ta-ôi; Van Kieu |
Population this Country | 19,000 |
Population all Countries | 43,000 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 14249 |
ROP3 Code | 107730 |
Country | Vietnam | ||
Region | Asia, Southeast | ||
Continent | Asia | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
Persecution Rank | 25 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Laos border, southern Quang Tri and western Thua Thien-Hue provinces. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Vietnam |
Region | Asia, Southeast |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 25 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Laos border, southern Quang Tri and western Thua Thien-Hue provinces.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.17 %) |
2.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
98.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Pacoh (19,000 speakers) |
Language Code | pac Ethnologue Listing |
Primary Dialect | Pahi |
Dialect Code | 15392 Global Recordings Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Pacoh (19,000 speakers) |
Language Code | pac Ethnologue Listing |
Primary Dialect | Pahi |
Dialect Code | 15392 Global Recordings Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Pacoh |
Primary Language: Pacoh
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Pacoh | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Pacoh | YouVersion Bibles |
Photo Source | Copyrighted © 2023 Asia Harvest All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | Bethany World Prayer Center |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |