Tai Pao in Laos


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Tai Pao language, which has yet to be studied in any detail, remains an undetermined member of the Tai linguistic family. In Laos, Tai can mean "people" and does not necessarily refer to the Tai or Thai people groups. Therefore, Tai Pao can simply mean "Pao people."
The Tai Pao live in central Laos. Their villages are in the Viangthong, Khamkeut and Pakkading districts of Borikhamxai Province. The Tai Pao live at the juncture of these three districts. The Tai Pao live near the Tai He and may be ethno-linguistically related to them.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Like most people in this part of the world, the Tai Pao make their living as subsistence farmers. They also raise livestock.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tai Pao practice a mixture of animism and Theravada Buddhism. Such a religious intertwining has existed in Laos since Buddhism was introduced. Even stories of the introduction of Buddhism to Laos have evolved into animistic myth.
For the Tai Pao, maintaining their culture is equally as important as their religious beliefs. Accordingly, the few Tai Pao who have been exposed to the gospel have not seriously considered it, believing that to become a Christian would be a disgrace against their culture and heritage as a Tai Pao. The majority of Tai Pao, however, are not familiar with the name of Jesus.


What Are Their Needs?

The Tai Pao need the chance to choose to follow Jesus Christ. As it stands, they have few chances to hear of his saving grace.


Prayer Points

Ask God to raise up Tai Pao who are more desirous to know the truth than to stay on the broad road to death.
Ask God to send loving, committed workers to the Tai Pao in the near future.
Pray the Tai Pao would no longer be hidden away from the influence of Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Tai Pao in Laos.


References

Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Tai Pao
People Name in Country Tai Pao
Alternate Names Pao; Tay Pao
Population this Country 1,900
Population all Countries 13,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 15194
ROP3 Code 109721
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country They inhabit areas of central Laos. The villages are located in the Viangthong, Khamkeut and Pakkading districts of Borikhamxai Province.   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country They inhabit areas of central Laos. The villages are located in the Viangthong, Khamkeut and Pakkading districts of Borikhamxai Province..   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
15.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
85.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Tai Pao (1,900 speakers)
Language Code tpo   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Tai Pao (1,900 speakers)
Language Code tpo   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Tai Pao

Primary Language:  Tai Pao

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Peoples of Laos, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source Bryan Nicholson / cartoMission  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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