Puoc people group of Laos
 
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  • Population: 13,224(1995);14,870(2000);18,600(2010)
  • Main Province: Saravan
  • Language Affiliation: Mon-Khmer
  • Religion: Animism
  • Christians: none known

The main information provided here is used by permission from asiaharvest.org

Additional information may be provided by millionelephants.com

Pray for the Puoc
  • Pray against the spiritual strongholds that have blinded the minds of the Pacoh to the light of the Gospel.
  • Ask the Lord of Lords to glorify Himself among the Pacoh.
  • Pray for a turning to Christ to occure among the superstitious Pacoh people in both Laos and Vietnam.

According to a 1985 source, there were 2,164 Puoc people living in northern Laos. They primarily inhabit villages along the Et River in the Xiangkho District of Houaphan Province.

Strangely, the Puoc were counted as a distinct ethnic group in the 1985 Lao census, but were not listed in the 1995 census. It is likely they have been incorporated into the Pong ethnic group.

The majority of Puoc, more than 11,000, live in neighboring areas of Vietnam. In Vietnam the Puoc are officially known as the Xinh Mun. Despite their similar-sounding names, the Xinh Mun are not related to the Singmoon ethnic group in Laos, who live near the Thai border.

Puoc communities are often mixed with the Tai Dam. Puoc women also wear clothing and headdresses similar to the Tai Dam. They wear a short vest that has a row of silver buttons carefully made in the shape of butterfly wings.

Three generations of the same family living under the one roof is common among the Puoc. Their homes are separated into two main sections. One section called the plang is reserved for single men or guests of the family. It also contains the altar for worshipping spirits. The second part, called the xia is the main section where the family sleeps, cooks and eats.

The two main family names among the Puoc are Vi and Lo. Each lineage shares a certain animal that is sacred to them.

Puoc women are in the habit of chewing betel-nut, which stains their teeth black. Black teeth "are so highly esteemed that one never sees a white tooth save in the mouth of a very young child. Betel-chewing tends to darken the enamel and chut is carefully rubbed on to intensify the black, for it is a common saying, 'Any dog can have white teeth'."146

The region inhabited by the Puoc on both sides of the Laos-Vietnam border has received very little Christian witness in the past. The nearest community of believers is probably near the city of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. None of the Puoc in Laos reportedly follow Christ.

  

 

  

Additional Information

  1. Gospel Recording in Puoc here: Puoc resources page If you are aware of other recordings, literature, or anything else for the Puoc people, please let us make it available online.
  2. Getting there - If you make a trip to the Puoc people, share your experience and advice here: Puoc travel page
  3. Information - Do you know something more about the beliefs of the Pacoh? Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a picture? Please share it here.
  4. Does anyone know of a Puoc 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: Puoc 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