Kui in Thailand


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Kuy people are found in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. They are also known as Kui and Kamen-boran(which means ancient Khmer). In Cambodia they live primarily in the north-central part of the country, in Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom provinces. Their villages are mostly in remote areas interspersed with Khmer villages. Early inhabitants of the area, the Kuy did not have an advanced civilization or empire like the Khmers. In the past they had a reputation as iron ore smelters and blacksmiths, but those skills seem to have been lost.

In appearance they do not differ from the Khmers. They have their own language, unwritten until recently. One folk tale is that the village elders originally wrote their language on a pig skin but then dogs ate it so their writing was lost. Kuy is in the Mon-Khmer language group and there are several dialects. Most Kuy people also speak Khmer and in some places they are losing their own language.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kuy are mostly poor wet rice farmers. Farming is labor intensive, plowing with cows or water buffalo and transporting goods by oxcart. They grow few other crops, though in some areas they grow cashews. They also raise chickens, pigs and cattle. Many also gather forest products like resin, wood and traditional medicines although this is changing due to rapid deforestation. Frequently their diet consists of rice eaten with salt and chili peppers. Kuy villagers live in houses like those of their Khmer neighbors, bamboo and thatch on stilts.

Their fields are typically some distance away surrounding the village. Their dress is not different from that of the Khmer people. They typically wear Western type clothing, though women often wear a sarong. Both men and women use the Cambodian Krama (checked cotton piece of fabric) as scarves, head wear, belts, wraps for bathing and other uses.

Like most in Cambodia, the Kuy have an oral culture with high illiteracy. For most, education is only available for two or three years, but in Khmer, which contributes to their assimilation into Cambodian culture.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Their beliefs are a mixture of animist and Folk Buddhist ideas with animism being the older and more dominant belief structure. Buddhism is increasing in their areas as they assimilate more with the Khmer people. For example one large village now has a very simple wooden Buddhist temple built less than 10 years ago. Many wear strings tied around the neck, waist or wrists to ward off evil spirits. They mostly rely on traditional healers in the case of illness.


What Are Their Needs?

The Kuy are at the bottom of the economic heap in Cambodia. They are often looked down upon by Khmer people. The Kuy have little access to good health care. They could really benefit from health and hygiene education, better access to clean water, and improved agricultural methods. Many have never heard of Jesus and few have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel presented in a way that makes sense to them. Pray for committed Cambodians and other believers to bring the good news to these people.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Kui in Thailand.


References

Text edited to remove name considered derogatory.


Profile Source:   Cambodia Research Network. Click to email CRN inquiries and corrections  Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

Additional Info
Global Prayer Digest: 2009-06-30
Global Prayer Digest: 2012-06-03
People Name General Kui
People Name in Country Kui
Pronunciation kway
Alternate Names Aouei; Boran; Dui; Kamaen-Boran; Kuay; Kuoy; Kuy; Shoi; Souei; Suai; Suay; Suei; Sui; Xuay
Population this Country 433,000
Population all Countries 518,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 9
People ID 19055
ROP3 Code 105352
Country Thailand
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country The majority live in east-central Thailand in the four provinces of Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. Over 50,000 Kui inhabit more than 70 villages in neighboring parts of southern Laos, while another 20,000 make their homes in north-east Cambodia.   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Country Thailand
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country The majority live in east-central Thailand in the four provinces of Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. Over 50,000 Kui inhabit more than 70 villages in neighboring parts of southern Laos, while another 20,000 make their homes in north-east Cambodia..   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Map of Kui in Thailand Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
83.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.41 %)
2.00 %
Ethnic Religions
15.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kuay
Language Code kdt   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Thai Thai, Northeastern
Primary Language Kuay
Language Code kdt   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Thai
  Thai, Northeastern
People Groups Speaking Kuay
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Cambodia Research Network. Click to email CRN inquiries and corrections  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.