Lao Song

The Lao Song ( Thai ลาว โซ่ง, also Tai Song ( ไท โซ่ง ), Lao Song Dam ( ลาว โซ่ง ดำ ) or simply Song or Song Dam ) are an ethnic group in Central Thailand.

History

The Lao Song are descendants of Lao people of Tonkin and areas around Luang Phrabang, from where they were forcibly taken during the Siamese conquest in the 18th and 19th centuries as bonded laborers or slaves to Zantral Thailand. Most of them belonged to the so-called Tai Dam groups, their culture - they have preserved to this day - as traditional dress and language.

The Lao Dam were used as guards at the royal court and control the powerful Chinese minority, which explains their long-range transportation.

Geographical distribution

There are about 34,000 members of the Lao Song spread over Central Thailand and the north of the country.

They settle in the provinces of Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Chumphon.

Religion

Originally, the Lao Song followers were animistic beliefs. They are today, like most Thais Theravada Buddhists. However, an old core of the animistic faith received.

Economy

The Lao Song agriculturists and make handicraft products here.