- Lao Krang
ethnic group
group=Lao Krang
poptime=53,000
popplace=Thailand
rels=Theravada Buddhism
langs=Lao, Thai
related=Lao, Thai, otherTai groups. language
name=Lao Krang
states=Thailand
region=Throughout Western and Central Thailand.
speakers=53,000
familycolor=Tai-Kadai
fam2=Kam-Tai
fam3=Be-Tai
fam4=Tai-Sek
fam5=Tai
fam6=Southwestern
fam7=East Central
fam8=Lao-Phutai
fam9=Lao/IsanThe Lao Krang (Thai: ลาวครั่ง, IPA: laːw kʰraŋ; endonym: laːw kʰaŋ) are a sub-group of the
Lao ethnic group . Also known as the Tai Krang (Thai: ไทครั่ง), they speak a dialect of the Lao language that is not too different from the modern Lao/Isan languages of Laos andIsan . The Lao Krang should not be confused with the Tai Khang (spelt the same as 'Thai Krang' in Thai) who are a closely related people inhabiting northeastern Laos.Geographic Location
The Lao Krang are spread out throughout Western and Central Thailand, especially the provinces of
Phichit ,Suphan Buri ,Uthai Thani ,Chai Nat ,Phitsanulok ,Khamphaeng Phet ,Nakhon Pathom andNakhon Sawan .History
The Lao Krang are descendants of Lao people from
Luang Prabang andHouphan provinces who were enslaved by invadingSiamese soldiers after the fall of the last remnant kingdoms ofLanxang . The Lao Krang were settled in the rich farmlands of Central Thailand to work as farm labourers to increase food production for the army and capital. Aside from their geographic isolation, the cultural traits and language of the Lao Krang give away their ancestors' traditional homeland.Religion and Culture
The Lao Krang are Theravada Buddhists, but also maintain older animist beliefs. Especially revered is the tutelary spirit of the village, the "hu chao nei". Traditional activities include farming, as well as making a red dye from beetles used to stain textiles, hence the namesake "krang" or 'lac'. Traditionally, marriages were only between members of the same group.
References
*http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rog3=TH&rop3=210125
*Hattaway, Paul. (2004). Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Guide. Pasadena: William Carey Library.
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