The Akha tribe make up the 9th largest ethnic group in Laos, and the Piso people are a small subtribe of the Akha. The larger Akha tribe migrated from China, likely in the 16th or 17th centuries fleeing unrest, and also later in the 20th century.
The language of the Akha is part of the Tibeto-Burman family, and they maintain an oral tradition without a written script. All Akha subgroups speak dialects of the Akha language. Dialects vary, but most understand the jeu g’oe dialect used in southern China, Thailand, and Myanmar. While some of the tribes do interact, they remain distinct. Sometimes, significant language differences exist with some groups; they speak completely unintelligible languages to other Akha subgroup members. The gospel does not naturally flow from one Akha group to the next.
The Akha are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, patriarchal society and vibrant cultural practices, including intricate embroidered clothing and headdresses, especially among women. Though some of the tribes do interact some, they remain distinct.
Their language is part of the Tibeto-Burman family, and they maintain an oral tradition without a written script. All Akha subgroups speak dialects of the Akha language. Dialects vary, but most understand the jeu g’oe dialect used in southern China, Thailand, and Myanmar. The language lacks a written alphabet, relying on oral traditions.
The Piso live in remote, high-altitude villages, often without electricity or running water. They build their homes on stilts with bamboo or wood, designed to withstand the region’s rugged terrain. They practice slash-and-burn agriculture, growing rice, corn, and historically opium (now discouraged). Villages relocate every 10–20 years due to soil depletion or spiritual reasons. Daily tasks include farming, weaving, and collecting water from springs. Women are skilled in spinning cotton, dyeing indigo, and embroidering intricate patterns for clothing. Piso women learn to weave, dye, and embroider from childhood, producing textiles for clothing and tourist markets. These skills are central to cultural preservation and economic survival.
Pisos practice animism and ancestor worship, believing in good spirits (ancestral, house, village) and bad spirits (forest, river). Rituals like the Swing Festival (late August, marking Women’s New Year) involve offerings, dances, and traditional clothing to honor ancestors. Some Pisos may blend Christianity with traditional beliefs due to missionary influence since the mid-20th century, though animism remains dominant in remote areas.
The Akha Piso, like other Akha, are among Laos’ poorest groups, living outside the mainstream economy. They face prejudice, and they are given derogatory terms like kha kho (slave). Many Pisos are consumed with opium addiction and other health challenges
Ask that the Lord visit them in dreams and visions.
Pray that God will give wisdom, courage and joy to front-line workers in remote and difficult areas of Laos.
Pray for Laotian authorities who closely monitor Christians and threaten them to stop their Christian activities. Pray that God will open their eyes and hearts to his sovereignty and goodness.
Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met by our gracious Father God.
Pray that the chains of addiction will be broken off the Akha Pisos.
Pray that every persecuted Akha Piso believer will receive a handheld radio to listen to gospel broadcasts.
Scripture Prayers for the Akha Piso in Laos.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
