A small number of ethnic Tamoy people, perhaps about 500, live in a few villages within the Viangphoukha District in Luang Namtha Province. Most sources have never listed the Tamoy people in Laos, even though they are known as a distinct ethnicity by themselves and their neighbors.

     Laurent Chazee has simply stated that the Tamoy "inhabit less than 15 villages"

     The Tamoy speak a Mon-Khmer language. Although it has yet to be studied at depth, it may be related to Khmu and Lamet.

     The Tamoy, along with almost every other Mon-Khmer group in Laos, are animists. Theravada Buddhism has also influenced them, although no temples or Buddhist altars are seen in the Tamoy villages.

     The Tamoy are an unreached people group with no known Christians. Although Protestant missionaries first encountered Mon-Khmer groups in this part of Laos in the 1890's, no record exists of the Tamoy ever having been specifically targeted with the Gospel. This is tragic for the Tamoy, as history shows how Mon-Khmer groups often prove highly receptive to Christianity. When Daniel McGilvary visited a Khmu group in this part of Laos in 1898, he reported, "Nan Tit [a Khmu man] read the books I gave him, had prepared the way for me by teaching the substance of them to his neighbors, and now would assist me in teaching his tribe. With him as interpreter and assistant we visited a number of contiguous villages, holding night conferences, at which the whole population of the village would be present. Everywhere a wonderfully ready response was given to the Gospel. They, too, were oppressed by the dread of spirits, and welcomed deliverance from their bondage. They would accept the Gospel, but, naturally, referred us on to the Pia [village leader].... He had heard the rumor that our religion could overcome the spirits and save from sin.... He had heard of the Jesus-religion, and wished to embrace it.... By Saturday night every family in the place had made the same decision, and would begin by keeping their first Sabbath next day.... It was a great day, just the like of which I had never seen. It settled the decision of hundreds, possibly of thousands, of people."194

Additional Information

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