Lao Khrang

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The Lao Khrang ( Thai ลาว ครั่ง ) are a subgroup of the Lao people , also known as the Thai Khrang ( ไท ครั่ง ). They speak a dialect of Lao that is similar to modern Lao. The Lao Khrang should not be confused with the Thai Khang , which is a closely related group in northeastern Laos .

Geographical distribution

The Lao Khrang are spread over the west and central area of Thailand . They mainly settle in the provinces of Phichit , Suphan Buri , Uthai Thani , Chai Nat , Phitsanulok , Kamphaeng Phet , Nakhon Pathom and Nakhon Sawan . They include just over 50,000 people.

history

The Lao Khrang are descended from the Laotians from Luang Phrabang and Houaphan , who were brought home as slaves by Siamese troops after the invasion of the Kingdom of Lan Xang . The Lao Khrang were settled in the rich floodplain of central Thailand to do agricultural labor and to increase food production for the military and export.

Religion and culture

The Lao Khrang are followers of Theravada Buddhism , but have also retained animistic features of their ethnic beliefs . So-called village spirits, the hu chao nei , are particularly venerated . Traditionally they are farmers, but they also produce red paint from the lacquer scale insect (Thai: ตัว ครั่ง - tua khrang) to dye textiles - hence the name khrang ( en " lacquer ").

Traditionally, marriage was only possible within the Lao Khrang group.