The Book of Mark in Lao Song — Thai Song Scripture (Thailand)
Overview
The Book of Mark in Lao Song Language is the Gospel of Mark in the Thai Song (Lao Song) language of central and western Thailand, published by Empower Asia Bible Translation Movement (EABTM) and available via YouVersion/Bible.com (ID 4625). The community's autonym Lao Song (or Lao Song Dam — "Black Lao Song," from their traditional black clothing) identifies this Tai-speaking ethnic group as distinct from both mainstream Thai and Lao identities. The scholarly designation Thai Song is used in linguistic classification. The Lao Song are believed to be descendants of prisoners of war taken during the Siamese military campaigns into Laos in the early 19th century and resettled in the Thai central plains and western hills. Their language, closely related to Lao but with distinctive features, and their maintained cultural identity make them a distinct people group within Thailand's ethnic mosaic.
Language and People
Thai Song (ISO 639-3: soa; autonym: Lao Song) is a Tai-Kadai language: Kra-Dai → Tai → Southwestern Tai branch. The Southwestern Tai branch includes Thai (standard), Lao, Shan, and dozens of smaller varieties. Thai Song/Lao Song is closely related to Lao, reflecting the community's origins in Laos, but has developed distinctive features over two centuries of separation from the Lao-speaking homeland. The language is written using the Thai script.
The Thai Song/Lao Song community inhabits:
- Phetchaburi Province and Suphan Buri Province, central-western Thailand — the main areas of Lao Song settlement, in the lowland plains west of Bangkok
- Also present in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi Provinces
- A geographically dispersed community in the lowland central plains, with original settlements dating to early 19th-century deportations
Estimated speakers: approximately 75,000–100,000 (the Lao Song maintain a distinct identity and language; most also speak Thai).
Cultural Context
The Lao Song (Song Dam / Thai Song) are known for their distinctive traditional clothing — indigo-dyed black garments with intricate embroidery — and their strong community identity maintained over approximately 200 years in Thailand. The community traces its origins to deportees from the Vientiane and Xieng Khouang regions of present-day Laos, brought to Thailand during the Siamese military campaigns of the early Rattanakosin dynasty (particularly after the 1779 and 1828 campaigns). Despite centuries of Thai cultural influence, the Lao Song maintain distinct language, dress, customs, and social practices. The Empower Asia Bible Translation Movement (EABTM) is a Thailand-based organization working in heart-language scripture for Thailand's minority ethnic communities.
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Empower Asia Bible Translation Movement (EABTM), a Thailand-based Bible translation organization focused on Thailand's minority language communities.