Lao Theung

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Please improve this article if you can. (February 2007)

Lao Theung
Total population
~2 million (est.)
Regions with significant populations
Laos
Languages
Lao

The Lao Theung are a few related tribal ethnic groups living in Laos. Lao Theung translates to midland Lao. Lao Theung are scatter across Laos, although Mon-Khmer once spread from eastern India to Southern China.

[edit] History

The Lao Theung are of Mon-Khmer stock and are believed to be the autochthonous poupulation of mainland Southeast Asia having migrated south in historical time. Although now they live in the higher uplands of Laos, they were originally paddy rice farmers and were displaced by the influx of Lao Loum migration into southeast Asia from Southern China. In 1993, the Lao Theung form 24% of the PDR of Laos. The Lao Theung differ from one another culturally and linguistically than either the Lao Loum or Lao Soung. In the north live the Khmu and Lamet. The Katang and Makong live in central Laos, and Loven and Lawae in the south.

[edit] Culture

Most Lao Theung who are isolated still wear their traditional clothings as they once were 2000 years ago. However, Lao Theung who lived to closer proximity to mainstream Laos have been westernized to a much larger extent. The Lao Theung live in distinct houses built on stilts and in tree.