Ethnologue report for Page 1 of 14

Languages of Thailand

See language map. [See also SIL publications on the .]

Kingdom of Thailand, Muang Thai or Prathet Thai. 64,865,523. Population includes 45,815,000 or 93.5% Daic languages, 1,037,650 or 2% Austro-Asiatic languages, 1,009,500 or 2% , 533,500 or 1% Tibeto-Burman languages, 100,000 or 0.2% Hmong-Mien languages (1991 J. Matisoff). National or : Thai. Literacy rate: 89%. Also includes Burmese, Japanese, Kayan (150), Lao, Sinhala, Tai Daeng, Tamil, Urdu, Vietnamese. Information mainly from F. Lebar, G. Hickey, J. Musgrave 1964; H.C. Purnell 1970; W. Smalley 1976; S. Wurm and S. Hattori 1981; J. Matisoff 1991, J. Matisoff et al. 1996; P. Prachakij- karacak 1995. Blind population: 210,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 22. The number of languages listed for Thailand is 74. Of those, all are living languages.

Living languages

Aheu [thm] 750 in Thailand (1996 Ferlus). Population total all countries: 2,520. The Thavung live in , Song Daw District, 3 villages. The Phon Soung live about 100 km south of the Thavung. Also spoken in . Alternate names: Phon Soung, So, Sotawueng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Thavung More information. Akha [ahk] 60,000 in Thailand (1998). Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson provinces. 250 villages. Alternate names: Kaw, Ekaw, Ko, Aka, Ikaw, Ak'a, Ahka, Khako, Kha Ko, Khao Kha Ko, Ikor, Aini, Yani. Classification: Sino- Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Ha-Ya More information. Ban Khor Sign [bfk] Northeastern Thailand, a few villages. Language Dialects: Not related to the original sign languages of Thailand, but there is some similarity. Classification: Deaf More information. Bisu [bii] 1,000 in Thailand (1987 Purnell). Southwest Chiangrai, North Lampang. Two main villages, the largest with 100 houses. Alternate names: Mbisu, Mibisu. Classification:

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 2 of 14

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi More information. Blang [blr] 1,200 in Thailand (1998 SIL). Chiangrai; 1,000 live outside Mae Sai near the northern border, a village of 200 to 300 is near Mae Chan. About 200 live west of and work in gardens. Alternate names: Sen Chun, Hkawa, Kawa, K'wa, K'ala, Bulang, Pulang, Pula, Plang, Wa, Doi, Kontoi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Bulang More information. Bru, Eastern [bru] 5,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL). Sakon Nakhon Province. Tri are in Kusuman District, Kok Sa-at Bru are in Phanna Nikom and Phang Khon District, about 12 villages; one village in Province. Dialects: Tri, Bru Kok Sa-At, Bru Dong Sen Keo. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon- Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information. Bru, Western [brv] 20,000 in Thailand(1991). Dong Luang District of . Also spoken in USA. Alternate names: Bruu, B'ru, Baru. Dialects: It is partially intelligible with Eastern Bru. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information. Cham, Western [cja] 4,000 in Thailand. Ban Khrue, Bangkok, and possibly in refugee camps. Alternate names: Cambodian Cham, Tjam, Cham, New Cham. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo- Polynesian, Malayic, Achinese-Chamic, Chamic, South, Coastal, Cham-Chru More information. Chiangmai [csd] Chiangmai. Alternate names: Chiengmai Sign Language Sign Language. Dialects: Related to present sign languages in Laos and Viet Nam (Haiphong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City). A distinct language from . Classification: Deaf sign language More information. Chinese, [hak] 58,800 in Thailand (1984). Cities. Hakka Alternate names: Hakka. Classification: Sino- Tibetan, Chinese

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 3 of 14

More information. Chinese, [cmn] 5,880 in Thailand (1984). Bangkok, Mandarin provincial towns, and Kra Peninsula in the south. Dialects: Ho (Haw, Cin Haw, Yunnanese, Western Mandarin, Hui, Hui-Tze, Hwei, Panghse, Pantha, Panthe, Pathee). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese More information. Chinese, Min [cdo] Alternate names: . Dialects: Dong Fuzhou (Fuchow, Foochow). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese More information. Chinese, Min [nan] 1,081,920 in Thailand. Population Nan includes 1,058,400 Chaochow (18%), 17,640 Fujian (.3%), 5,880 (.1%) (1984). Cities. Alternate names: Min Nan, Minnan. Dialects: Chaozhou (Chaochow, Tiuchiu, Teochow, Techu), Shantou (Swatow), Hainan, Fujian (Fukien, ). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese More information. Chinese, [yue] 29,400 in Thailand (1984). Alternate names: , Yue, Yueh. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese More information. Chong [cog] 500 in Thailand. Chantaburi, four villages, , northwest of Par. Alternate names: Shong, Xong, Chawng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon- Khmer, Pearic, Western, Chong More information. Hmong Daw [mww] 32,395 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Petchabun, Tak, Maehongson, Chiangmai, Nan, Chiangrai, Pitsanalok, Loei, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet, Prae, Phayao, Uttaradit, Lampang. Alternate names: White Meo, White Miao, Meo Kao, White Lum, Peh Miao, Pe Miao, Chuan Miao, Bai Miao. Dialects: Hmong Gu Mba (Hmong Qua Mba, Striped Hmong, Miao Lai), Mong Leng, Petchabun Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian More information. Hmong Njua [blu] 33,000 in Thailand (1987). Tak, Nan, Chiangmai, Maehongson, Petchabun, Chiangrai, Phayao, Phrae, Loei, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet, Uthai provinces. Alternate

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 4 of 14

names: Chuanqiandian Miao, Chuanchientien Miao, Sichuan-Guizhou- Hmong, Tak Miao, Meo, Miao, Western Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian More information. Iu Mien [ium] 40,000 in Thailand (1999). Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Phayao, Lampang, Kampaengphet, Nan, and Sukhothai provinces, 159 villages. Alternate names: Mien, Yao, Mian, Myen, Yiu Mien, Youmian, Highland Yao, Pan Yao. Dialects: Chiangrai. Classification: Hmong- Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin More information. Karen, Pa'o [blk] 743 in Thailand (2000). Maehongson. Alternate names: Taungtu, Black Karen, Pa-U, Pa'0, Pa Oh. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pa'o More information. Karen, Phrae [kjt] , eastern provinces Pwo including . Alternate names: Pwo Phrae, Phrae, Prae, Northeastern Pwo Karen. Dialects: Not intelligible with other . Lexical similarity 87% with Northern Pwo Karen of Thailand, 67% to 71% with other Pwo Karen varieties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pwo More information. Karen, Pwo [pww] 60,000 (1983 SIL). Mae Sarieng town in Northern northwest Thailand, Mae Ngaw along the , 15 to 25 villages, Hot to Mae Sarieng (Highway 1099 which runs south to Omkoi). Alternate names: Phlong. Dialects: Mae Ping, Omkoi (Hod), Mae Sarieng. Three dialects are intelligible with each other. The Pwo Karen of Phrae, Kanchanaburi, and Hua Hin are not intelligible with these. Lexical similarity 87% with Phrae Province Pwo Karen of Thailand, 68% to 73% with other Pwo Karen. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto- Burman, Karen, Pwo More information. Karen, Pwo [kjp] 50,000 in Thailand (1998). Tak (Mae Sot Western south), Ulthaithani, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuapkhirikhan (Huahin District) provinces. Kanchanaburi dialect is northern, Ratchaburi- Phetchaburi dialect is southern. Alternate names: Phlou, Southern Pwo Karen. Dialects: Kanchanaburi Pwo Karen, Ratchaburi Pwo

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 5 of 14

Karen (Phetchaburi Pwo Karen). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pwo More information. Karen, S'gaw [ksw] 300,000 in Thailand (1987 E. Hudspith). Tak, Maehongson, Chiangmai, and Chiangrai provinces, near the border. Alternate names: S'gaw, S'gau, S'gaw Kayin, Kanyaw, Paganyaw, Pwakanyaw, White Karen, Burmese Karen, Yang Khao. Dialects: Panapu, Palakhi (Palachi). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Sgaw More information. Kayah, Eastern [eky] 98,642 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Maehongson Province, east of the Salween River. Alternate names: Red Karen, Karennyi, Kayay, Kayah. Classification: Sino- Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah More information. Kensiu [kns] 300 in Thailand. Southern , Phattaloong, Satun, Narathiwat provinces, Thai-Malay border. Some in a resettlement camp in Yala. Alternate names: Kense, Kensieu, Kenseu, Kensiw, Sakai, Moniq, Monik, Maniq, Moni, Menik, Meni, Ngok Pa, Orang Bukit, Orang Liar, Mos, Mengo, Tiong, Mawas, Belubn. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Western More information. Khmer, [kxm] 1,117,588 (2000 WCD). Very few are Northern monolingual. Northeastern Thailand, mainly Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Khorat provinces. Alternate names: Khmer Lue, Thailand Khmer. Dialects: Buriram, Surin, Sisaket. Different from Central Khmer. Dialects are intelligible with each other. Many local varieties. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon- Khmer, Khmer More information. Khmu [kjg] 31,403 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Scattered through Thailand, Chiangrai, Nan, Phayao. Alternate names: Kmhmu, Khamu, Khmu', Khamuk, Kamhmu, Kamu, Kha Khmu, Kammu, Tmooy, Mou, Luu, Pouteng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon- Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu' More information. Khün [kkh] 6,281 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Chiangrai,

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 6 of 14

Chiangmai. May not be in Thailand. Alternate names: Hkun, Khun Shan, Gon Shan, Tai Khun, Khuen. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam- Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information. Kintaq [knq] Kedah-Perak border area, Thai border. Overlaps slightly into Southern Yala Province of Thailand. Alternate names: Kenta, Kintk, Kintaq Bong. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Western More information. Korean [kor] Bangkok. Classification: Language Isolate More information. Kuy [kdt] 300,000 in Thailand (1992 Diffloth). Few monolinguals. Population total all countries: 366,675. East , provinces of Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon, Roi Et. Also spoken in , Laos. Alternate names: Sui, Suai, Suay, Suoi, Soai, Suei, Cuoi, Kui Souei, Kui, Kuoy, Kuuy, Khamen-Boran. Dialects: Chang (Suai Chang), Nheu, Kuay. In Cambodia there are four Kuy dialects, based on the use of their word for 'what': Kuy Antra (northern Kompong Thom, southern Preah Vihear), Kuy Anthua (central Preah Vihear), Kuy May or Ma'ay (in Kratie), Kuy Mlor (one village in northern Preah Vihear); only the older people still speak the last two dialects. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay-Nheu More information. Lahu [lhu] 32,000 in Thailand (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson, Lampang, Tak provinces, 119 known villages. There has been some migration from Myanmar and Laos. Alternate names: Lohei, Muhsur, Mussuh, Muhso, Musso, Musser. Dialects: Na (Black Lahu, Musser Dam, Northern Lahu, Loheirn), Nyi (Red Lahu, Southern Lahu, Musseh Daeng, Luhishi, Luhushi), Shehleh. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu More information. Lahu Shi [kds] 20,000 in Thailand (1998). In refugee camps near Laos border; formerly in Chiang Kham camp, but now in camps near Pua, Nan,

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 7 of 14

or elsewhere. Alternate names: Kutsung, Kucong, Kui, Kwi, Shi, Yellow Lahu, Musseh Kwi, Musseh Lyang. Classification: Sino- Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu More information. Lamet [lbn] 100 in Thailand. Lampang, Chiangrai. Alternate names: Kha Lamet, Khamet, Kamet, Lemet. Dialects: Upper Lamet, Lower Lamet. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Lametic More information. Lawa, Eastern [lwl] 7,000 (1987 D. Schlatter). Northern; Chiangmai, Chiangrai, one village: Wiang Papao. Alternate names: Wiang Papao Lua, Northern Lawa. Dialects: Phalo, Phang. Not intelligible with Western Lawa. Phalo (100) and Phang (100) are treated as distinct languages in Wurm and Hattori 1981. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon- Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Lawa More information. Lawa, Western [lcp] 7,000 in Thailand (1987 D. Schlatter). Numerous villages in Chiangmai and Maehongson provinces of northern Thailand. Alternate names: Lava, Luwa, Lua, L'wa, Lavua, Lavüa, Mountain Lawa. Dialects: La- Oor. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Lawa More information. Lisu [lis] 16,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone). Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Some have migrated to northwest Thailand from Myanmar. Alternate names: Lisaw, Li-Shaw, Li-Hsaw, Lu-Tzu, Southern Lisu, Yao Yen, Yaw-Yen, Yaw Yin, Yeh-Jen, Liso. Dialects: Lu Shi Lisu. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Northern, Lisu More information. Lü [khb] 83,000 in Thailand (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Chiangrai, Payao, Lamphun, Nan, Chiang Kham, and throughout northern Thailand. Alternate names: Lue, Tai Lue, Thai Lu, Tai Lu, Lu, Pai-I, Pai-Yi, Shui-Pai-I.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 8 of 14

Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information. Lua' [prb] 6,281 (2000 WCD). East of Pua District in . Also on Laos-Thailand border. Alternate names: East Pua Pray, Pray 2. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal- Phrai More information. Mal [mlf] 3,000 to 4,000 in Thailand (1982 SIL). East of Pua District and Chiang Kam, valley near northern Laos border, Nan Province. Alternate names: T'in, Ht'in, Thin, Tin, Khatin. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal- Khmu', Mal-Phrai More information. Malay [mly] Some villages in Ranong, south Thailand. Alternate names: Bahasa Malay, Melayu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo- Polynesian, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay More information. Malay, Pattani [mfa] 3,100,000 (1998). Population includes 2,600,000 in , 500,000 in Bangkok and elsewhere. Chana (Chenok) Region of Songkhla (Singgora) Province in the north, traversing southward through Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, Saiburi, Tak Bai. Alternate names: Thai Islam. Dialects: Different from and Standard Malay. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo- Polynesian, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay More information. Malay, Satun [meo] A few villages near Satun. Isolated. Alternate names: Kedah Malay. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay More information. Mlabri [mra] 300 in Thailand (1982 E. R. Long). Population total all countries: 324. Laos border area. Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Utaradit, Phitsanuloke, Loey, and perhaps other provinces. Also spoken in Laos. Alternate names: Mla, Mla Bri, Mabri, Mrabri, Yumbri, Ma Ku, Yellow Leaf, Phi Thong Luang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mlabri

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 9 of 14

More information. Mok [mqt] 7 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Northwest; east northeast of Chiang Mai, on Wang River. Alternate names: Amok, Hsen-Hsum. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic Nearly extinct. More information. [mwt] West coast of south Thailand, Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi, Ranong. Alternate names: Mawken, Basing, Selung, Selong, Salong, Salon, Chau Ko'. Dialects: Dung, Ja-It, L'be. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo- Polynesian, Malayic, Moklen More information. Moklen [mkm] 1,500 (1984 D. Hogan). Ethnic population: 4,000 (2000 D. Bradley). West coast of south Thailand, Phuket, Phangnga. Alternate names: Chau Pok. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayic, Moklen More information. Mon [mnw] 107,630 in Thailand (2000 WCD). On the Myanmar border, Kanchanaburi, Pathum Thani, Rat Buri, Surat Thani, Lopburi, Khorat; north and south of Bangkok. Alternate names: Talaing, Taleng, Aleng, Mun, Peguan, Takanoon. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Monic More information. Mpi [mpz] 900 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 1,200 (2000 D. Bradley). Phrae, Phayao, two villages. Alternate names: Mpi-Mi. Dialects: Close to Pyen, Phunoi. Classification: Sino- Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi More information. Nyahkur [cbn] 10,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 20,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Central Thailand, Khorat, Petchabun, Chayaphum, a few villages, from north of B. Khum Chieo to south of Ban Kao, Thakhong and other rivers. Alternate names: Nyah Kur, Nyakur, Niakuol, Niakuoll, "Chaobon", "Chaodon", Lawa. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Monic More information.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 10 of 14

Nyaw [nyw] 50,000 (1990 Diller). Sakorn Nakorn, Ta Bo', Nong Khai; Tha Uthen, Nakorn Panom. Alternate names: Yo, Nyo, Nyoh, Jo. Dialects: Close to (Northeastern Thai) and Luang Prabang Lao. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam- Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao- Phutai More information. Nyeu [nyl] 200. Sisaket. Alternate names: Yeu, Yoe. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay-Yoe More information. Palaung, Pale [pce] 5,000 in Thailand (1989). Alternate names: Di-Ang, Ngwe Palaung, Silver Palaung, Pale, Palay, Southern Ta-Ang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon- Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Palaung

More information. Phai [prt] 31,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone). Population total all countries: 46,000. Thung Chang District of Nan Province. Also spoken in Laos. Alternate names: Phay, Thung Chan Pray, Kha Phay, Pray 1, Prai. Dialects: More Pray speakers have recently come from Laos to refugee camps, which could represent additional dialects. Classification: Austro- Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai More information. Phu Thai [pht] 156,000 in Thailand (1993). Population total all countries: 519,400. Kham Chai, Nakorn Panom, Ubon, Kalasin, Sakorn Nakorn. Also possibly in . Also spoken in Laos, USA, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Puthai, Putai, Phuu Thai, Phutai. Dialects: Little dialect differentiation. Close to Tai Dam and Tai Don. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai More information. Phuan [phu] 98,605 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Population total all countries: 204,704. Uthai Thani, Phichit, Petchabun, Lopburi, Singburi, Suphanburi, Saraburi, Nakorn Nayok, Phrachinburi, Udon, Loei, and one village south of Bangkok. Also spoken in Laos. Alternate names: Lao Phuan, Phu Un. Dialects: Close to Northern Tai, Tai Dam, Song, Lao.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 11 of 14

Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information. Phunoi [pho] Some in Chiangrai. Alternate names: Phu Noi, Punoi, Phounoy. Dialects: Black Khoany, White Khoany, Mung, Hwethom, Khaskhong. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi More information. Pray 3 [pry] 38,808 (2000 WCD). Interspersed in Thung Chang and Pua districts among the Mal. Dialects: One dialect is more distinct. Separate from Phai and Lua. Classification: Austro- Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai More information. Saek [skb] 11,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone). Northeastern, Nakorn Panom. Alternate names: Sek, Tai Sek. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Sek More information. Shan [shn] 60,000 in Thailand (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Maehongson, Myuang Haeng, Chiangrai, Chiangmai, Maesai, Tak, on northwestern border. Alternate names: Sha, Tai Shan, Sam, Tai Yay, Thai Yay, Great Thai, Tai Luang, "Ngio", "Ngiow", "Ngiaw", "Ngiao", "Ngeo". Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be- Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information. Sô [sss] 58,000 in Thailand (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Nakorn Panom, Sakorn Nakorn, Nong Kai, Kalasin. Both sides of River in northeastern Thailand. 53 villages in Thailand. Alternate names: Kha So, Thro. Dialects: So Trong, So Slouy, So Phong, So Makon. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So More information. Tai Dam [blt] 700 in Thailand (2004). , village of Ban Na Pa Nat. Alternate names: Jinping Dai, Tai Noir, Thai Den, Black Tai. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 12 of 14

More information. Tai Nüa [tdd] Also possibly in northern Viet Nam. Alternate names: Chinese Shan, Tai Neua, Tai Man, Dehong Dai. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest More information. Thai [tha] 20,182,571 in Thailand (2000 WCD). Population includes 400,000 Khorat (1984). 4,704,000 mother-tongue Thai speakers who are ethnic Chinese, or 80% of the Chinese (1984). Population total all countries: 20,229,987. Central Thailand, centered in Bangkok. Khorat dialect in Ratchasima. Also spoken in Singapore, United Arab Emirates, USA. Alternate names: Central Tai, Standard Thai, Thaiklang, Siamese. Dialects: Khorat Thai (Korat, Thaikorat). Classification: Tai- Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information. Thai Sign [tsq] 51,000 profoundly, prelingually deaf Language people in Thailand (1997 Charles B. Reilly). 20% of deaf children go to school, where they get the opportunity to learn this language. Major regional centers and Bangkok. Dialects: The first deaf school was established in 1951, with influence from Gallaudet University in the USA. It uses a combination of indigenous signs and . Before 1950 Chiangmai and Bangkok had their own separate but related sign languages, and probably other 'urban' areas had their own sign languages, related to present sign languages in parts of Laos and Viet Nam, including Haiphong. The signs used at the deaf school at Tak are reported to be very different. Classification: Deaf sign language More information. Thai Song [soa] 32,307 (2000 WCD). Kanchanaburi, Phetburi, Pitsanulok, Nakorn Sawaan, Nakorn Pathom, Suphanburi. Alternate names: , Lao Song Dam, Song. Dialects: Only slight dialect differences. Close to Tai Dam. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 13 of 14

Thai, [tts] 15,000,000 (1983 SIL). Population includes Northeastern at least 1,000,000 in Bangkok. Kalerng has a few thousand speakers (1990 A. Diller ANU). Northeastern; 17 provinces. Kalerng is in Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. Alternate names: Isan, Isaan, Issan, Thai Isaan. Dialects: Northern Isan, Central Isan (Kalerng, Kaleung, Kaloeng), Southern Isan. Korat. The Korat dialect is quite different, and may be a separate language. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai More information. Thai, Northern [nod] 6,000,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL). Population total all countries: 6,009,396. Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Lamphun, Lampang, Maehongson, Hot, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak provinces. Also spoken in Laos. Alternate names: Lanna, , Lanatai, "Yuan", Phyap, Phayap, Payap, Kammüang, Kammyang, Myang, Kam Mu'ang, Mu'ang, Khon Mung, Khon Myang, Tai Nya, La Nya, Northern Thai, Western Laotian. Dialects: Nan, Bandu, Tai Wang. The Nan dialect is more distinct. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam- Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng More information. Thai, Southern [sou] 5,000,000 (1990 Diller). Population includes 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 or more Muslim Tai (2001). Chumphon, Nakorn Srithammarat; 14 provinces total. Muslim Tai in provinces of Chumporn, Nakorn Srithammarat, Phattalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phanga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun. Alternate names: Pak Thai, Pak Tai, Paktay, Dambro. Dialects: Tak Bai (Tai Tak Bai), Thai Malay (Tai Islam). A group of dialects more distantly related to other . The border dialects are quite distinct from others. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Southern More information. Tonga [tnz] Ethnic population: 300 (2000 D. Bradley). Two areas in the south. Also spoken in Malaysia (Peninsular). Alternate names: Mos. Dialects: Satun. Probably close to Kensiu. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon- Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Tonga More information.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008 Ethnologue report for Thailand Page 14 of 14

Ugong [ugo] 80 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 500. Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Suphanburi. None in Myanmar. Alternate names: Lawa, 'Ugong, Gong, Ugawng. Dialects: Kok Chiang, Suphanburi. Not closely related to other languages. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern More information. ' [urk] 3,000 (1984 D. Hogan). Ethnic population: 3,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Phuket and Langta islands, west coast of southern Thailand. Not in Malaysia. Alternate names: Orak Lawoi', Lawta, Chaw Talay, Chawnam, Lawoi. Dialects: Aboriginal who speak a unique . Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayic, Malayan, Para- Malay More information. Yong [yno] 12,561 (2000 WCD). Chiangrai, Chiangmai, Lamphun. May also be in Muang Yong, northern Myanmar. Alternate names: Nyong. Dialects: Phonology similar to Lü. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai- Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Unclassified More information. Yoy [yoy] 5,000 in Thailand (1990 Diller). Population total all countries: 6,000. Sakorn Nakorn. Also spoken in Laos. Alternate names: Yoi, Yooi, Yooy, Dioi, Jui. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam- Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern More information.

This web edition of the Ethnologue contains all the content of the print edition and may be cited as: Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TH 2/28/2008