Prai people

The Phai are an ethnic group in Thailand and Laos. They are one of two sub-groups of the Lua people (the other one being the Mal).^[1]

Phai

Total population
51,000
Regions with significant populations
Laos, Thailand
Languages
Phai; Lao and/or Thai as second languages
Religion
Animism, Theravada Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Mal

Name Variation

The Phai are also commonly referred to as Prai, Phay, Thung Chan Pray, Kha Phay,^[2] and Pray.^[3] In Laos they are also referred to as Htin.^[4]

Language

The Phai speak a language also called Phai, which belongs to the Khmuic branch of Austroasiatic languages^[2] There are several dialects called Phai, that are sometimes hardly mutually intelligible.

Geographic Distribution

• Population in Laos: 15,000 in Phongsali and Xaignabouli Provinces^[2]

There are also dozens of Prai villages in Thailand.^{[5][better source needed]}