The Lao people are a Tai ethnic group native to Southeast Asia, who speak the Lao language of the Kra–Dai languages. They are the majority ethnic group of Laos, making up 53.2% of the total population. The majority of Lao people adhere to Theravada Buddhism. They are closely related to other Tai people, especially with the Isan people, who are also speakers of Lao language, native to neighboring Thailand.
A Lao woman wearing traditional clothing in Luang Prabang, Laos
The French forced the Siamese to renounce their claims to Lao territory in 1893, thus signalling the genesis of the modern Lao state.
Offering of food to monks to make merit at a temple in Vientiane
A spirit house near Wat Kham Chanot, Udon Thani Province, Thailand
Tai peoples are the populations who speak the Tai languages. There are a total of about 93 million people of Tai ancestry worldwide, with the largest ethnic groups being Dai, Thais, Isan, Tai Yai (Shan),Tai Lai (Shanni), Lao, Tai Ahom, Tai Meitei and Northern Thai peoples.
Tai-Dong people of Guizhou, China, in traditional dresses, similar to the existing tribe in northern provinces of Thailand
This Image believes of Siamese mercenaries in Angkor Wat. Later found as Khasi (Mon-Khmer) the Siamese name by western 16 th centur. Tai created their own kingdom later 13th century.