Approximately 9,000 Tai He live in Borikhamxai Province in central Laos. They are concentrated in the Viangthong and Khamkeut districts, while smaller numbers of Tai He inhabit the Pakkading and Pakxan districts.

     Despite the fact the Tai He view themselves as a distinct people group, they have never appeared before in most mission or ethno-linguistic lists from Laos. Laurent Chazee, the French ethnographer, did list them as one of his 119 ethnic groups in Laos.

     The Tai He practice a mixture of Buddhism and animism. Since 1975, the Communist authorities have slowly attempted to control Buddhist monks and exert authority over radical elements. Some Buddhist spokesmen have been favored because of their support for the government.

     In 1975, outspoken Buddhist monk Maha Khamtan Thepbouali said, "We hold that the country and Buddhism cannot be separated¼. Therefore, since Lao society is changing favorably, it is certain that Buddhist monks and novices will undergo changes¼. We will try our utmost to stamp out the vestiges of the old society and build a new, pure and bright one. In the religious sphere it is necessary to correct many mistakes such as Buddhist textbooks which do not conform with the principles of Buddhismåtextbooks compiled by capitalism and feudalism to hoodwink the people."170

     Later, Thepbouali wrote, "I wish to clarify to all whether Buddhism and revolution are in contradiction to one another? There are some people who have always said that it is not right for the Sangha to engage in revolutionary activities because the Sangha does not engage in politics. These people have not read their history of Buddhism! And also they do not understand what the Sangha is, or for that matter, revolution. The truth is that the Sangha and revolution are not in contradiction, even though they do not separate basic assumptions¼. Revolution does not only mean the use of weapons. Struggle over ways of thinking is also revolution, struggle inside oneself over the right way of thinking and the wrong way is also a revolution."171

     There are no churches or known Christians among the unreached Tai He.

Additional Information

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