Akha in Thailand
Photo Source:
Arian Zwegers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Akha |
| Country: | Thailand |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 60,000 |
| World Population: | 687,000 |
| Primary Language: | Akha |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 22.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hani |
| Affinity Bloc: | Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Most scholars agree that the Akha were originally of Tibetan origin. The Akha have a detailed creation epic poem. Long recitations, committed to memory and handed down from parents to children, are essential for continuing the Akha culture. Among the Akha, it is important for a man to be able to memorize his complete genealogy right back to the first man, Sm Mi O. To be unable to do so is considered a disgrace. The Akha genealogy now covers more than 60 generations. They try, often unsuccessfully, to remember the migration routes their ancestors took when they moved from place to place.
Much of the area inhabited by the Akha is in the infamous Golden Triangle, where the nations of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. The Golden Triangle has long had a reputation as one of the main drug-producing areas in the world. Today, one in ten Akha are said to be addicted to opium. Most of the Akha people live in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos or Vietnam. Like many abused people in Myanmar, the Akha have crossed the border into Thailand for safety.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Swine and poultry are the most important livestock of the Akhas. They use dogs for hunting and for food.
The Akhas mostly get married around 12 or 14 years old and they live in extended family units averaged about 10 people in each family. An Akha man can take more than three wives.
What Are Their Beliefs?
There are strong bodies of Akha believers in Thailand and Myanmar, but not in Vietnam, China, or Laos. In these countries they cling to their traditional animistic religion that keeps them apart from the living God.
What Are Their Needs?
The depravity of man, the culture and the illiteracy cry out for the transforming power of Christ. Would you please pray for the salvation of the Akhas in Thailand?
Prayer Points
Pray the Akha people in Thailand and Myanmar will tire of the tragic results of sin and seek the Lord of mercies.
Pray for a genuine spiritual hunger that will lead them to the cross of calvary.
Pray for Akha disciples who will make obedient disciples.