The Lao Song are descendants of Loatian mountain dwellers who were taken captive by the Siamese during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, their ancestors relocated to the central plains of Thailand.
Today, nearly 10,000 Lao Song live in 35 villages. They have retained their identity and unique culture. Lao Song are generally viewed as lower class than ethnic Thais. Their main source of income is from crop farming; however, they are very poor and often cannot afford to send their children to school.
Christian missionaries started Lao Song Handicrafts. Wantana Thianhorn, the first girl from her Lao Song village to be educated past the primary school level, now manages it. Lao Song Crafts works in about 20 villages, representing approximately 700 members and benefiting over 1000 people.
Crop farming continues to be the main source of income for the Lao Song. The sale of handicrafts can make a great difference in their standard of living. Creating crafts enables women to earn money at home while still caring for their young children. Some artisans have used their income to start up shrimp and fish farms. Villagers have been able to dig irrigation canals for their fields, lay pipes for running water, pay for electricity and improve their homes. Families are pleased that they can now send their children to school, with some going on to university or college.
