The Pouhoy ethnic group in 1995 numbered only "35 families,"139 or approximately 200 people, living in the Kang Village of the Namo District of northern Oudomxai Province.

Even though the Pouhoy believe they are a distinct, unique people group, they have never appeared in any mission lists of Laos and are not counted in census figures for Laos. Laurent Chazee laments that small groups like the Pouhoy are "not even mentioned in official literature."140

The Pouhoy are situated very near the Kongsat ethnic group, who are even smaller in size.

One scholar has speculated that the Pouhoy may be "the last remaining remnant of a Mon-Khmer group that migrated to southern Laos long ago and became today's Jeng and Oy."141 This possibility is strengthened by the fact both the Jeng and Oy claim to have originated far north of their present locations.

Until 1975, the Pouhoy lived under authority of the King in Luang Prabang. Over the centuries, Lao kings had the reputation for being somewhat distant from the people, unlike the present King of Thailand. If the Lao King had been closer to his people's hearts, it is possible they would have rallied around him against Commun-ism. One Lao Buddhist monk, who defected to Thailand in 1976, outlined some of the differences he saw between the Lao and Thai monarchies: "The Lao monarchy had existed for more than six hundred years. But the Lao King differed from the Thai King in his general attitude and behavior. The Lao King never made much contact with the people; he did not go out to see the people in times of distress. Mostly he stayed in his court. So the Lao King was not close to the hearts of the people in the way that the Thai King is. I am Lao, but I never once saw the King of Laos. On the other hand, in the ten years that I spent in Thailand I met the King of Thailand several times. I would also like to point out that the King of Thailand is endowed with three important qualities: he is concerned for the people, he is accessible, and he is brave."142

The Pouhoy are animists, with no understanding whatsoever of the claims of Christ.

Additional Information

1. Gospel Recording in Pouhoy here: Pouhoy resources page If you are aware of other recordings, literature, or anything else for the Pacoh people, please let us make it available online.
2. Getting there - If you make a trip to the Pouhoy people, share your experience and advice here: Pouhoy travel page
3. Information - Do you know something more about the beliefs of the Pouhoy? Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a picture? Please share it here.
4. Does anyone know of a Pouhoy believer inside or outside of Laos?
5. Intercession - Have you gotten any impressions, scriptures or words while praying for this group? Have you visited their area? Please share these and we will include them on the prayer page here: Pouhoy prayer page
6. Adoption - This is a small group, but that doesn't diminish the importance of these people in Gods' heart. If you feel led to focus on this group, maybe God will use in a miraculous way to reach them with the Gospel! Need assistance? Contact us at: millionelephants@gmail.com, subject: adoption