Ae in Laos

Introduction / History

The Ae people are a small ethnic group found in southern Laos, particularly in the highland regions near Sekong Province. They are part of the broader Mon-Khmer ethnolinguistic family and are closely related to other Katuic-speaking groups in the region. Their language is connected to the Katuic branch of the Austroasiatic language family, linking them culturally to neighboring highland peoples.

Like many small upland groups in Laos, the Ae have limited recorded history. Their identity has been shaped by generations of village life in remote, forested areas, with strong ties to land, kinship, and local tradition.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ae live in rural, mountainous areas where life is centered on subsistence agriculture. Like other Katuic-related groups, they typically practice shifting cultivation, growing staple crops such as rice while supplementing their diet through hunting, fishing, and gathering from the forest.

Villages are usually small and closely connected, often organized around shared labor and mutual support. Homes are commonly built from local materials, and daily life revolves around farming cycles, food preparation, and caring for family and livestock. Their environment requires resilience, as access to markets, healthcare, and education is limited.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ae primarily follow traditional ethnic religions rooted in animism. These beliefs center on spirits associated with nature, ancestors, and local places. Rituals and offerings are often performed to seek protection, health, and success in farming.



While Buddhism has some influence in Laos generally, the Ae largely retain their traditional spiritual worldview. There is little to no known Christian presence among them, and their beliefs remain centered on spirit appeasement and ancestral practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ae face significant physical challenges due to their remote location. Limited infrastructure restricts access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Isolation also makes it difficult for consistent development or outside assistance to reach them.

Spiritually, they remain unreached. There is little to no access to the gospel or biblical teaching in a form they can understand. Their strong adherence to animistic beliefs presents a barrier, but their small population and village-based structure provide an opportunity for focused, long-term engagement.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Ae people would be freed from fear of spirits and come to know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ask God to raise up faithful workers who are willing to go to this remote people and live among them with perseverance and love.
Pray that the Ae would be adopted through the People Group Adoption program, leading to sustained prayer and long-term gospel outreach.
Pray that, as individuals come to faith, they would grow in maturity and boldly share Christ within their communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project