Lao Krang

The Lao Khrang are descendants of Lao people from Luang Prabang and Houaphanh provinces who were enslaved by invading Siamese soldiers after the fall of the last remnant kingdoms of Lan Xang. The Lao Khrang 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 Khrang give away their ancestors' traditional homeland.

The Lao Khrang 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.

• Hattaway, Paul. (2004). Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Guide. Pasadena: William Carey Library.