Tai Bueng

The Tai Bueng are an ethnic group in Thailand. They are also referred to as Lao Bueng.

Geographic distribution

The Tai Bueng reside in two villages of Amphoe Phatthana Nikhom in Lopburi Province.

Culture

The Tai Bueng have maintained their unique culture despite being located in the heart of Thailand and in spite of onerous Thaification policies. Their distinctive dress consists of chong kaben with a silver belt. In other ways, they are very similar to surrounding Thai people and the Lao from which they descend. The Tai Bueng language and culture has been comparatively little studied.

History

The Tai Bueng believe they are descendants of ethnic Lao from the Lao city of Mueang Uthen, now located in Nakhon Phanom Province along the Mekong River and modern-day Lao border. Although the details of their arrival in central Thailand is a mystery, it is possible that like other Lao-speaking tribal Tai groups, the Tai Bueng were enslaved or forced into corvée labour and forcibly moved to where they are now.

Religion

The Tai Bueng practise Therevada Buddhism.