The word Lao Gao as a Slang to Discriminate Esan People

In Thai society, the term “Lao Gao” is often used as a slang expression to stereotype or belittle people from the Isan region in northeastern Thailand. While it may appear in casual conversation or humor, its usage carries social and cultural implications that perpetuate prejudice and reinforce negative stereotypes.

Origins and Meaning

“Lao Gao” roughly translates to “stupid Lao” or “ignorant person” and is historically tied to biases against Isan communities, many of whom speak Lao-derived dialects. Over time, it has evolved into a shorthand insult used in media, online discussions, and even everyday interactions, often without consideration of its discriminatory impact.

The term also intersects with a real ethnic subgroup called the Lao Ga, who are a small community of the broader Lao people residing in Thailand. They are primarily located in a single village in Uthai Thani Province and are descendants of prisoners of war captured by the Siamese army during the conquest of Vientiane in the 1800s.

Key Details about the Lao Ga

• Name Origin: The name “Ga” or “Gao” means “crow” in the local dialect and is considered offensive by the people themselves; it refers to their “loud and croaking voice.” They identify as a distinct Lao-speaking group.
• Location: They primarily inhabit Ban Tabluang, a village in the Ban Rai District of Uthai Thani Province, a remote area where they were forced to settle.
• Culture and Lifestyle: The Lao Ga maintain a distinct community with their own customs and dialect, though they practice Theravada Buddhism like most Thais and Laos.
• Economy: Women are skilled weavers of blankets and pillows, while men engage in agriculture, growing crops like rice, maize, and tobacco.
• Diet: They consider grasshoppers, field rats, and red ant eggs to be highly-prized delicacies.
• Language: They speak a dialect closely related to the Isan language spoken in northeastern Thailand.
• Intermarriage: Due to their small numbers, they try to intermarry within their own group, though some have started marrying people from other groups such as Thai, Lao Wieng, and Chinese.

The larger Lao ethnic group in Thailand comprises approximately 20 million people, mostly concentrated in the Isan region. While the broader Lao population is ethnically Lao but nationally Thai, the Lao Ga are a small, specific community within this larger context.

Social Implications

Using the term “Lao Gao” reinforces ethnic stereotypes, marginalizes Isan communities, and contributes to social exclusion. Many Isan people face systemic disadvantages in education, employment, and representation, and derogatory language compounds these challenges. Understanding the weight of words like “Lao Gao” is crucial for fostering cultural respect and social cohesion.

Cultural Awareness and Respect

Raising awareness about such terms is part of a broader effort to acknowledge Thailand’s diversity and challenge harmful prejudices. Recognizing the rich cultural, linguistic, and historical contributions of Isan communities—and small subgroups like the Lao Ga—can help shift public perception and promote empathy.

Moving Forward

Language is powerful, and using it responsibly matters. By educating ourselves and others about the origins and impacts of discriminatory slang, while also learning about the real communities behind these labels, we can create a more inclusive environment that values all regions and ethnic groups of Thailand.