Introduction / History

Ethnic Tai Peung live in the Kham District of Xiangkhoang Province in eastern Laos. A small number may spill over into neighboring Pek District. The Tai Peung live near the Tai Laan and Tai Sam. Each group holds a distinct ethnic identity and speaks different Tai languages, although there has been no linguistic research to determine what branch of Tai they belong to.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tai Peung celebrate several main festivals throughout the course of the year. The greatest is probably Phii Mai Lao (Lao Lunar New Year), which falls within the month of April. People clean their homes, put on new clothes, wash their idols. People make fresh commitments to the spirits to be good and honest people, in return for spiritual blessing and prosperity. People also throw water over each over in a symbolic bid to cleanse the past year's sins and to start the year anew.

Although Laos consists of numerous ethnic groups and languages, the New Year celebrations acts as a major unifying force between peoples.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Buddhism never reached the Tai Peung in the way it has other peoples of Laos. Today, they remain animists with influences of ancestor worship. Every home has a small ancestral/spirit altar attached to the wall, in which incense is burned.

What Are Their Needs?

The hidden corner of Laos inhabited by the Tai Peung has received virtually no gospel witness throughout its long history. Consequently, the Tai Peung remain a completely unreached and unevangelized people group.

Prayer Points

Pray the Tai Peung would enter into relationship with their Creator, who yearns to reveal Christ to them.

Ask God to glorify his son among the Tai Peung.

Pray for an open path for a movement to Christ this part of Laos.

Pray for loving workers to go to the Tai Peung people.

Scripture Prayers for the Tai Peung in Laos.

References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission