Tayten in Laos

People Name:	Tayten
Country:	Laos
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	500
World Population:	500
Primary Language:	Lao
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tai
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

One writer, who has visited the Tayten, note that the Tayten are considered a mysterious group to their neighbors, the Khmu Ou, who call the Tayten Kha Sam Lien ('People who speak three languages'): Lao, Khmu and Tayten.

The Tayten speak a language from the Tai linguistic family, but it is far removed from other Tai varieties surrounding them. There is a Kam-Sui speaking group in southern Guizhou Province of China who call themselves Ten. The Chinese call them Yang-huang. There is a possibility this small group in Laos are related to the Ten of China, but no evidence has been cited to confirm this as fact. The name Tayten probably just means "Ten people."

The Tayten people inhabit two villages (Ban Phia and Ban Thenngiou) in the Pakxeng District of Luang Prabang Province of Laos.

What Are Their Lives Like?

This is a very small tribe, and we know almost nothing about their livestyles. Most likely, they live like the peoples around them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tayten are animists. They also worship their ancestors, especially those they consider "close" ancestors (the last three generations). Once a year they have a ceremony where "distant" ancestors are worshipped.

What Are Their Needs?

At the present time there is no trace of Christianity among the Tayten. There are Khmu believers all around them, however, giving hope that the Tayten may find true peace in the person of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray Khmu believers will not see the Tayten as so "mysterious" that they neglect to share Christ with them.

Ask God to raise up laborers to start a church planting movement among the Tayten.

Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Tayten people that will lead them to the cross.