Between 1826 and 1828, King Anouvong of the Vientiane Kingdom launched two uprisings against Siamese rule, both of which ultimately failed. In response, King Rama III of Siam ordered the destruction of the Vientiane Kingdom. Large numbers of Lao people were rounded up and resettled in central Thailand. Those who had lived around Vientiane and Luang Prabang were among those taken, the ancestors of today's Lao Ngaew people.
The Lao Ngaew speak a Lao dialect rooted in the Luang Prabang region. In Thailand, their speech differs from that of other Lao-descended groups such as the Lao Krang and the Vientiane Lao. Although these groups often live intermixed, the Lao Ngaew are fewer in number and remain relatively little known to others.
Joachim Schliesinger reported that their main areas of habitation are Lop Buri Province (especially Ban Mi and Khok Samrong districts), the Tha Tako District of Nakhon Sawan Province and scattered parts of Singburi, Saraburi, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Nong Khai and Loei provinces. They all live in Thailand.
When a Lao Ngaew couple gets married, the groom's family is required to pay money to the bride's family. The Lao Ngaew are able to intermarry with people from other ethnic groups, although not all other groups are keen to marry the Lao Ngaew. This is especially true with the Phuan people, who consider the Lao Ngaew socially and culturally inferior to themselves.
The Lao Ngaew enjoy lively communal gatherings. During major events, festivals, and traditional celebrations, they come together in large numbers.
Because the Thai government has not actively promoted the preservation of ethnic mother-tongue dialects, fewer Lao Ngaew today speak their native language, even within their own homes.
Although almost all Lao Ngaew are professing Buddhists, their beliefs are mixed with numerous animistic rituals and spirit worship. Some of their most revered spirits are those of the village, house, forests, water, trees and sky. "They honor the most important spirit, called don hor once a year with pigs and rice whisky at the village spirit house, often located behind the temple."
Surprisingly, their blessing rituals reflect Hindu Brahmanistic influences blended with Buddhist belief, with particular emphasis on making merit for ancestors and the spirits of deceased relatives.
These people need to realize that they cannot please God without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They cannot have the Holy Spirit without Jesus Christ.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Lao Ngaew communities.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Lao Ngaew.
Pray for the Lao Ngaew people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Lao Ngaew people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Lao Ngaew in Thailand.
Peoples of the Buddhist World. Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.
Mission Pathway newsletter, March 2026
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
