Khmu of Thailand
The Khmu are a large minority ethnic group in northern Laos, but one of the smallest in Thailand. Little is known about the culture of the Khmu in Thailand.
Population and Location
The Khmu are a large minority ethnic group in northern Laos, but one of the smallest in Thailand. There are only about 29,000 Khmu living in 32 villages in North Thailand. In 2005 it was estimated that there are more than 700,000 Khmu around the world including 520,000 in Laos, 101,000 in Myanmar, 54,000 in Vietnam, 1,500 in China and another 2,000 in the United States.
Language
Linguistically, the Khmu belong to the Mon-Khmer (Northern) family. Dialects of Khmu in Laos and Thailand seem mutually comprehensible.
Culture
There is little information on the culture of the Khmu in Thailand. In Laos, however, the Lao believe that the Khmu have power over the spirits of the area. The Khmu take part in annual court ceremonies and were the ones who purified the royal palace in Luang Prabang after it was built and before the king took occupancy. The Khmu of Luang Prabang are heavily acculturated toward Lao life. Most Khmu in Luang Prabang know Lao. They, however, maintain their own language among themselves. Those Khmu who "become Lao" also adopt Buddhism. Other may spend time in a buddhist wat in order to learn to read Lao, but without becoming Buddhists or giving up their Khmu identity.
Livelihood
The Khmu are settled agriculturists and practice swidden farming. Agriculture is the main source of food, supplemented by gathering, hunting, trapping and fishing. Some Khmu keep domestic animals, but these are used for sacrifices more often than for food. Rice is the staple and there are many varieties, all of them glutinous. Other crops include corn, bananas, sugar cane and a wide variety of vegetables. Many Khmu are migrating to urban areas as laborers.
Religion
Traditional Khmu religion centers around spirits called "hrooy" (the phi of the Lao). Of particular importance are the "hrooy gaang" (house spirit) and "hrooy hoo" (apparently one of the most powerful of the jungle spirits). In addition, there are spirits of the village, mountains, rock, water, sun, and one particularly identified with shamans.
Openness to Christianity
Portions of scripture have been recently translated into the dialect used by the Khmu. A Christian community of 200 is associated with the Associated Churches of Thailand - Khmu.
