continued from the [About Page](https://montessori-international.com/s/eims/about "Isaan About Page") ([Original from Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan "Wikipedia Isan"))
## Culture
[Loei Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Province)
Isan's culture is predominantly [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_people) and has much in common with that of the neighboring country of [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos). This affinity is shown in the region's cuisine, dress, [temple architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_temple_art_and_architecture), festivals, and arts.
Isan food has elements most in common with [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Laos) and is somewhat distinct from central [Thai cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_cuisine). The most obvious difference is the consumption of [sticky rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticky_rice) that accompanies almost every meal rather than non-sticky long-grain rice. [French](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_cuisine) and [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_cuisine) influences found in Lao cuisine are absent in Isan. Popular Lao dishes that are also staples in Isan include *tam mak hung*, or in central Thai, *som tam* ([green papaya salad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_papaya_salad)),[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-26) *[larb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larb)* (meat salad), and *[kai yang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_yang)* (grilled chicken). These dishes have spread to other parts of Thailand, but normally in versions that temper the extreme [heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoville_scale) and sourness favored in Isan for the more moderate central Thai palate. Conversely, central Thai food has become popular in Isan. The people of the Isan region in Thailand, a mixture of Lao, Vietnamese, Khmer, Mon, Cham, and other Tai groups, famously eat a wide variety of creatures, such as [lizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizard), [frogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frog), and fried [insects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect) such as [grasshoppers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasshopper), [crickets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crickets), [silkworms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silkworm), and [dung beetles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dung_beetle). Originally forced by poverty to be creative in finding foods, Isan people now savor these creatures as delicacies or snacks. Food is commonly eaten by hand using sticky rice pressed into a ball with the fingers of the right hand. Soups are a frequent element of any meal and contain either vegetables and herbs, noodles, chunks of fish, balls of ground pork, or a mixture of these. They are eaten using a spoon and chopsticks at the same time.
Traditional drums, [Rocket Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Festival), [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon)
Bung Fai Line Sribhumi, Suwannaphum, Roi Et Province
The pattern of Bung Fai Line Sribhumi which is made by handle scissors cutting the line without the broken line, Suwannaphum, Roi Et Province
The people of Isan celebrate many traditional festivals, such as the *Bun Bungfai* [Rocket Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Festival). This [fertility rite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertility_rite), originating in pre-Buddhist times, is celebrated in a number of locations both in Isan and in Laos, At present day not only most vigorously and most famously in [Yasothon Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon_Province), today Isan peoples know well for the most of number BungFai parade float are made in Roi Et province and one of traditional Bun Bungfai is in [Suwannaphume](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwannaphum_District) which the original Bungfai decoration and most of number Rocket fire or Bungfai in the world in [Phnomprai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanom_Phrai_District) both are located in [Roi et province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province). Other Isan festivals are the [Candle Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Candle_Festival), which marks the start of [vassa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vassa) in July in Ubon and other locations; the [Silk Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Silk_Festival) in Khon Kaen, which promotes local handicrafts; the [Elephant Round-up](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Elephant_Round-up) in Surin; and the *bangfai phayanak* or [Naga fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_fireball) of Nong Khai.
[80th Birthday Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80th_Birthday_Stadium) in [Khorat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima)
The main [indigenous music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_music) of Isan is *[mor lam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mor_lam)*. It exists in a number of regional variants, plus modern forms.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-27) Since the late 1970s, it has acquired greater exposure outside the region thanks to the presence of migrant workers in Bangkok. Many *mor lam* singers also sing central Thai *[luk thung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luk_thung)* music, and have produced the hybrid *luk thung Isan* form. Another form of folk music, *[kantrum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kantrum)*, is popular with the [Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people) minority in the south.
*Mor lam* needs a special mention as its festival-type production, which is very commonplace in Isan, has not been exported to other regions. Although it is a very exciting affair, not being on the tourist trail it is largely ignored by foreign visitors. When the locals speak of *mor lam* (pronounced *mor'ram* with stress on the second syllable), one will often hear them say *pai doo morram* (lit. "go see mor'ram"). They are referring to the most common form of evening entertainment in the region. Somewhere, in a village within easy reach, there will be a *mor lam* festival on a Friday or Saturday evening. Usually, the rock-festival-sized stage is constructed either in a temple compound or on a sports field. Thousands of people will sit on mats on the ground and watch the fun-filled program of variety entertainment. The traditional music and song is accompanied by extremely colorful choreography, executed by a group of up to 50 female (and some male *[katoey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katoey)*) dancers. The fantastic costumes are changed several times throughout the program, and the transitions are bridged by often-raunchy gags, slapstick comedy, and speeches by local dignitaries. A *mor lam* festival is a family affair and the area is surrounded by food and drink stalls.
Although there is no tradition of written secular literature in the Isan language, in the latter half of the 20th century the region produced several notable writers, such as [Khamsing Srinawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khamsing_Srinawk) (who writes in Thai) and [Pira Sudham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pira_Sudham) (who writes in [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language)).
Isan is known for producing a large number of [muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) boxers. Many of the boxers from [Srisaket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srisaket), [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_province), and [Surin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_province) are of ethnic [Suai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_people)(Kuy), [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_people), and [Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people) descent.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-28) Isan's most famous sportsman, however, is [tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis) player [Paradorn Srichaphan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradorn_Srichaphan), whose family is from [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen).
The Mall [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima)
Marriage and courtship in Isan still mainly follow strict tradition, especially in rural areas, and most young women are married by the time they are 20 years old. Many girls, in spite of the legal requirement, marry as young as 14 to escape poverty, as usually marriage is associated with a dowry paid by the husband to the bride's family. A dowry will not normally be less than 40,000 baht, and according to the status of the bride and/or her family, can often greatly exceed 300,000 baht.
Despite the influence of tradition, in 2013, according to [UNICEF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNICEF), 191.5 births out of every 1,000 births in Isan were to adolescents aged 15–19. This is four times higher than the 2018 global average of 44 births per 1,000 according to the [World Health Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization) (WHO). In September 2019, the [Ministry of Social Development and Human Security](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Social_Development_and_Human_Security_(Thailand)) set a target to reduce the number of unintended teenage pregnancies countrywide to 25 births per 1,000 by 2026.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-29)
Isan women rarely have boyfriends until they meet the man whom they will eventually marry, and tradition requires that the betrothal is then announced. Younger fiancées will be chaperoned, usually by a female friend, brother, or sister while in the company of their future husband. The wedding ceremony usually takes place in the bride's home and is normally officiated by one or several monks or a respected village elder who has been a monk. Young couples are increasingly registering their marriages at the city hall, which they can do if they are over 17. The extended family system is still very much the traditional social structure in Isan, with newlywed couples often living with in-laws or building a home on the family compound or farmland.
It is not unusual, however, for many women to remain single until much later. Tradition demands that the youngest or only daughter continues to live at home to take care of her parents. They are then only free to marry when both parents are deceased. There is also the tradition that a woman should "marry up" in status. If the woman is tied to occupation in a rural area as a farm or business owner, teacher, or similar profession, finding a suitable husband who is prepared to relocate is often not easy.
Water buffalo are a regular feature, even in the suburbs, being walked to and from the fields at dawn and dusk. Although rarely used nowadays for working the land, they are considered an important status symbol. The current value (2010) of one head of buffalo is about 20,000 baht (2010: US$620).
The cultural separation from central Thailand, combined with the region's [poverty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty) and the typically [dark skin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin_color) of its people, has encouraged a considerable amount of discrimination against the multi-ethnic people of Isan from non-ethnic Thais of Chinese descent.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*\] Even though many Isan people now work in the cities rather than in the fields, many hold lower-status jobs such as [construction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction) workers, stall vendors, and [tuk-tuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw) taxi drivers, and discriminatory attitudes have been known to persist among many Thai-Chinese inhabitants. Nevertheless, Isan food and music have both been enthusiastically adopted and adapted to the tastes of the rest of the country.
The process of [Thaification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaification), resulting from central Thais' perceived threat of Lao cultural dominance in the Isan region, has diluted somewhat the distinctive character of Isan culture, particularly in the cities and provinces, such as Khorat, which are closest to the central Thai heartlands and which have been under Thai rule the longest.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-30)
## Religion
Thai depiction of *[Phra Isuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva)* who is revered as the guardian of *Isan* or 'the northeastern direction'.
As in the [rest of Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Thailand), the population is mostly [Theravada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada) [Buddhist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism), although this is combined with elements of [animism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animism). Larger cities have Christian churches. Many major district towns have a small Christian church or chapel, usually [Roman Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic), and there are others in rural areas.
The world-famous meditation teacher [Ajahn Chah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Chah), the teacher of [Ajahn Sumedho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Sumedho), was born in Isan.
## Thaification
*Main article: [Thaification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaification)*
[Anouvong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anouvong), the last of the kings of [Vientiane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vientiane) rebelled against [Siamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattanakosin_Kingdom) suzerainty and lost in a war that raged on for two years. Khorat was then repopulated by [forced migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forced_migration) of Mekong Valley Lao,[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-31) with a heavy influx of voluntary [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Chinese) migrants. The plateau was claimed by Siam when [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Third_Republic) and Siam divided [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos#Colonial_period) territories following the [Franco-Siamese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Siamese_War) of 1893. [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et) was established early in the 20th century to further Siamese control, and to further assimilation of the population into the kingdom.
## Transportation
The railway network, is one of the major transportation systems of Isan.
### **Communications**
Traditionally, messages between the government in Bangkok and Isan provincial outposts had been carried by "[pony express](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pony_express)" or by fast boat. During the reign of King [Chulalongkorn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chulalongkorn) (r. 1868–1910), the Ministry of Interior maintained a schedule that specified that messages between Bangkok and [Nong Khai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai) took 12 days, between Bangkok and [Ubon Ratchathani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani), 12 days, and between Bangkok and [Luang Prabang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luang_Prabang), 17 days outbound and 13 days inbound.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 18–19
### **Rail**
Until 1900, when the first rail line from Bangkok to Khorat was opened, the shipment of goods took at least eight or nine days to go between the two. Now goods could be transported in a day. The speed with which goods could reach Khorat from Bangkok permitted the introduction into Isan of items previously too expensive or too perishable to transport. By 1928 a section of the northeastern rail line was extended to Ubon and by 1933 another section had reached Khon Kaen. It would not extend to Nong Khai until 1955. Trading patterns between the central region and Isan were forever altered.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 18–19, 69
The [State Railway of Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Railway_of_Thailand) has two main lines in Isan, both connecting the region to Bangkok. One runs east from Khorat, through Surin to Ubon; the other runs north through Khon Kaen and Udon to Nong Khai. In early 2009, a rail link from Nong Khai came into operation. It crosses the Friendship road bridge into Laos territory to a terminus a few kilometers north of the land border crossing. It remains unclear whether this line will be extended the remaining 20 kilometers to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
### **Road**
According to one report in 1895, it took about three weeks to travel overland by ox cart from Nong Khai to Khorat and another eight or nine days to travel from Khorat to Bangkok. Automobile transport made its first appearance in Isan sometime in the 1920s but did not expand rapidly until after the Second World War.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 18–19
There are 15,000 km (9,300 mi) of the highway, centered on the *[Thanon Mitraphap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mittraphap_Road)* ("Friendship Highway") from Khorat to Nong Khai built by the United States in the 1960s at a cost of US$20 million to supply its northeastern military bases.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 56–57 A road [bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge) (the *Saphan Mitraphap* or [Friendship Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge)) jointly built by the Australian, Lao, and Thai governments forms the border crossing over the Mekong River on the outskirts of Nong Khai to [Vientiane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vientiane), the capital of Laos, about 25 km (16 mi) away.
Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
Most roads in Isan are paved. All major roads interconnecting the provincial capitals are in excellent condition for driving, and most are centrally divided four or six-lane highways. Many roads connecting province capitals to larger district towns are also currently (2008) being widened to four-lane highways with median strips. The paving on some very minor roads in the poorer districts may be navigable with difficulty due to large, deep potholes. Unpaved, graded roads link some of the smaller, more remote villages, but they are comfortably navigable at normal driving speeds for wheeled vehicles. Most of the stretches of paved roads through villages are lighted at night, many with powerful sodium lighting, some of which are on independently solar-powered masts. Reflective "cats-eyes" marking the central line of two-lane roads are a common feature. Crash barriers are installed along the sides of dangerous bends and precipitous verges. Signposting is excellent and follows international style. Since 2002 (with the exception of some poorer sub-districts), all signs are bilingual in Thai and Roman script.
The main highways have frequent, Western-style rest and refueling stations which accept payment by major credit/debit cards. In 2006, all fuel stations sell 91 and 95 [octane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane) gasoline/petrol and diesel fuel. LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) and NGV (natural gas for vehicles) were till recently very rare outside the cities of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani. As of 2012, many new LPG and NGV stations have opened. Since 2009, bio-diesel fuel has become increasingly available.
### **Air**
Thai Airways Airbus A300 departing [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen)
In 1960 air service by [Thai Airways](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Airways) to several northeastern towns was inaugurated. By 1963 there were regular flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Phanom, Ubon, Khon Kaen, and Udon.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 57
There are airports at [Khorat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Airport) (at the present time no scheduled services due to its proximity to Bangkok making air service difficult to justify financially), [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Airport) (domestic), [Ubon Ratchathani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Airport) (domestic), [Udon Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_International_Airport) (international), [Nakhon Phanom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom_Airport) (domestic, scheduled services), [Sakon Nakhon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon_Airport) (domestic, scheduled services), [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Airport) (domestic, scheduled services), [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Airport) (domestic, scheduled services) and [Loei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Airport) (domestic, scheduled services).
Domestic air travel between the capital and the region is well developed and has become a viable alternative to rail, long-distance buses, and self-driving. Fares are cheap by foreign standards, and Udon and Khon Kaen which both opened brand new airport terminals in 2005 and 2006 respectively, are served by many daily flights and also have routes connecting other major destinations in Thailand with some companies operating wide-bodied aircraft. Most domestic flights to and from Bangkok operate to and from [Don Muang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Muang), the original Bangkok international airport, while Thai Airways flights serve Bangkok International Airport at [Suvarnabhumi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi).
### **Bus**
Buses provide mass transport throughout the region. All provincial cities are connected to Bangkok by daily and nightly, direct, air-conditioned bus routes. All district [amphoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe) towns operate at least one similar nightly route to and from Bangkok. All towns and villages are interconnected with frequent services of *[songthaew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songthaew)* ([Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): สองแถว, lit. "two rows") a covered truck-style bus or covered pick-up trucks with bench seats in the cargo bed.
Taxi transport is not well developed, even in the very large cities, where *[samlor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_rickshaw)* ([Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): สามล้อ, lit. "three wheels"), three-wheeled motorcycle taxis similar to the Bangkok [tuk-tuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuk-tuk), provide the mainstay of urban transport. The large cities do have some pick-up trucks operating on regular inner-city and suburban routes. Airports are served by collective vans, which tend to be expensive for the local population, and *samlors* for private hire.
### **Waterways**
In this region, [rapids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid) and variable flow make [navigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seamanship) difficult on the Mekong River, so large boat traffic is limited in connection with downriver areas. Bridges are rare because of the high cost of spanning the wide river; numerous passenger and vehicle ferries link its two sides. The [Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge), spanning the Mekong between the cities of [Mukdahan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan) (Thailand) and [Savannakhet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannakhet) (Laos), was completed and officially opened for traffic on 20 December 2006. Some new bridges, not included on the 2005 maps, have been built over smaller rivers and dams. Passenger and vehicle ferries also operate across some large reservoirs.
Improved infrastructure and ease of travel restrictions between Thailand and Laos have allowed the continued movement of thousands of people every day, with people on either side crossing the river to visit relatives, shop, participate in religious festivals, conduct business or day-trip, with the [Nong Khai-Vientiane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge) [Mukdahan-Savannakhét](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge) and [Nakhon Phanom-Thakhèk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge) border crossings particularly important due to the construction of bridges. Other major border crossings include [Bueng Kan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bueng_Kan)-[Pakxan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakxan) and the only non-Mekong checkpoint [Chong Mek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chong_Mek)-Vangtao, although ferries cross the river in other areas. The familiarity of the language makes travel and business easy for Isan speakers, who are able to use their language freely in Laos and be understood.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Identity-32)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-DraperJ2004-33)
## Administrative divisions
Upper, middle, and lower provinces of Isan
Isan is divided into 20 provinces, grouped into three statistical subregions. Nakhon Ratchasima Province is considered by some to be in central Thailand.
| Flag | Seal | | Province | Capital | DOPA | Population | Area (km2) | Density | ISO |
| ---- | ---- | --- | -------- | ------- | ---- | ---------- | ---------- | ------- | --- |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Bueng_Kan_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Bueng_Kan.png) | 1 | [Bueng Kan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bueng_Kan_Province "Bueng Kan Province") | [Bueng Kan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bueng_Kan "Bueng Kan") | 27 | 424,091 | 4,003 | 106 | TH-38 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Nong_Khai_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Nong_Khai.png) | 2 | [Nong Khai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai_Province "Nong Khai Province") | [Nong Khai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai "Nong Khai") | 70 | 522,311 | 3,275 | 160 | TH-43 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Loei_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Loei.png) | 3 | [Loei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Province "Loei Province") | [Loei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei "Loei") | 55 | 642,950 | 10,500 | 61 | TH-42 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Nong_Bua_Lamphu_Province.jpeg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Nong_Bua_Lamphu.png) | 4 | [Nong Bua Lamphu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Bua_Lamphu_Province "Nong Bua Lamphu Province") | [Nong Bua Lamphu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Bua_Lamphu "Nong Bua Lamphu") | 71 | 512,780 | 4,099 | 125 | TH-39 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Udon_Thani_Province.jpg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Udon_Thani.png) | 5 | [Udon Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province "Udon Thani Province") | [Udon Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani "Udon Thani") | 74 | 1,586,646 | 11,072 | 143 | TH-41 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Sakon_Nakhon_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Sakon_Nakhon.png) | 6 | [Sakon Nakhon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon_Province "Sakon Nakhon Province") | [Sakon Nakhon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon "Sakon Nakhon") | 57 | 1,153,390 | 9,580 | 121 | TH-47 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Nakhon_Phanom_Province.svg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Nakhon_Phanom_Province.svg) | 7 | [Nakhon Phanom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom_Province "Nakhon Phanom Province") | [Nakhon Phanom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom "Nakhon Phanom") | 20 | 719,136 | 5,637 | 127 | TH-48 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Mokdahan_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Mukdahan_Province.png) | 8 | [Mukdahan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan_Province "Mukdahan Province") | [Mukdahan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan "Mukdahan") | 44 | 353,174 | 4,126 | 87 | TH-49 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Karasin_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Kalasin.png) | 9 | [Kalasin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasin_Province "Kalasin Province") | [Kalasin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasin "Kalasin") | 4 | 983,418 | 6,936 | 142 | TH-46 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chaiyaphum_Flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Chaiyaphum.png) | 10 | [Chaiyaphum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum_Province "Chaiyaphum Province") | [Chaiyaphum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum "Chaiyaphum") | 11 | 1,137,357 | 12,698 | 91 | TH-36 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Khon_Kaen_Flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Khon_Kaen.png) | 11 | [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province "Khon Kaen Province") | [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen "Khon Kaen") | 6 | 1,802,872 | 10,659 | 169 | TH-40 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mahasarakham_PV_Flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Maha_Sarakham.png) | 12 | [Maha Sarakham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sarakham_Province "Maha Sarakham Province") | [Maha Sarakham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sarakham "Maha Sarakham") | 43 | 962,665 | 5,607 | 172 | TH-44 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Roi-Et_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Roi_Et.png) | 13 | [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province "Roi Et Province") | [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et "Roi Et") | 48 | 1,305,211 | 7,873 | 166 | TH-45 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yasothon_Flag.png) | | 14 | [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon_Province "Yasothon Province") | [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon "Yasothon") | 46 | 537,299 | 4,131 | 130 | TH-35 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Amnat_Charoen_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Amnatcharoen.png) | 15 | [Amnat Charoen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnat_Charoen_Province "Amnat Charoen Province") | [Amnat Charoen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnat_Charoen "Amnat Charoen") | 73 | 378,438 | 3,290 | 115 | TH-37 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Ubon_Ratchathani_Province.jpeg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Ubon_Ratchathani.png) | 16 | [Ubon Ratchathani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Province "Ubon Ratchathani Province") | [Ubon Ratchathani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani "Ubon Ratchathani") | 77 | 1,878,146 | 15,626 | 120 | TH-34 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sisaket_drapeau.gif) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Sisaket.png) | 17 | [Sisaket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province "Sisaket Province") | [Sisaket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_(town) "Sisaket (town)") | 56 | 1,472,859 | 8,936 | 165 | TH-33 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Surin_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Surin.png) | 18 | [Surin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Province "Surin Province") | [Surin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin,_Thailand "Surin, Thailand") | 69 | 1,396,831 | 8,854 | 157 | TH-32 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Buriram_Province.jpg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Buriram.png) | 19 | [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province "Buriram Province") | [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram "Buriram") | 28 | 1,595,747 | 10,080 | 159 | TH-31 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2.jpg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Nakhon_Ratchasima.png) | 20 | [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province "Nakhon Ratchasima Province") | [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima "Nakhon Ratchasima") | 21 | 2,648,927 | 20,736 | 128 | TH-30 |
Note: Populations as of 31 December 2019.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-TDD-2)
Isan returns 136 of the national [parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament)'s 400 constituency [MPs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Parliament). In the [2005 election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Thailand_legislative_election), the [Thai Rak Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Rak_Thai) party took 126 of these seats, with six for [Chart Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chart_Thai_Party) and two each for the [Democrat party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_(Thailand)) and [Mahachon Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahachon_Party).[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-34)
## Notable natives or residents
Royal Grandmother Statue [Srinagarindra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinagarindra), Sakon Nakhon
**Buddhist monks**
* Ajahn [Mun Bhuridatta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mun_Bhuridatta) Thera, born in [Ubon Ratchathani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Province)
* Luang Por [Ajahn Chah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Chah), born in Ubon Ratchathani Province
* Luangta [Ajahn Maha Bua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Maha_Bua), born in [Udon Thani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province)
* Luang Por [Khun Parissuddho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luang_Por_Khun_Parissuddho), born in [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province)
**Politicians**
* [Sarit Thanarat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarit_Thanarat) was born in [Bangkok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok), but he is half-blooded from the provinces of [Bangkok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok) and [Mukdahan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan_Province).[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C1-35) His father is a native of [Bangkok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok) and his mother is a native of [Mukdahan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan_Province).[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C1-35)
* [Praphas Charusathien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praphas_Charusathien), born in [Udon Thani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province)
* [Anon Nampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anon_Nampa), born in [Roi Et Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province)
* [Prayut Chan-o-cha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayut_Chan-o-cha), born in [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province)
* [Newin Chidchob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newin_Chidchob), born in [Buriram Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province)
**Writers**
* [Pira Sudham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pira_Sudham) was born in [Buriram Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-36)
**Actors**
* [Nadech Kugimiya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadech_Kugimiya), born in [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province)
* [Sukollawat Kanarot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukollawat_Kanarot), born in Khon Kaen Province
* [Nichaphat Chatchaipholrat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichaphat_Chatchaipholrat), born in Khon Kaen Province
* [Sombat Metanee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sombat_Metanee), born in Ubon Ratchathani Province
* [Tony Jaa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Jaa), born in [Surin Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Province)
**Comedians**
* [Mum Jokmok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mum_Jokmok), born in [Yasothon Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon_Province)
* [Sudarat Butrprom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudarat_Butrprom), born in Udon Thani Province
**Martial arts choreographers**
* [Panna Rittikrai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panna_Rittikrai), born in [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province)
**Singers**
* [Jintara Poonlarp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jintara_Poonlarp), born in [Roi Et Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province), singing styles: [mor lam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mor_lam), [Thai pop music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_pop_music), [Luk thung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luk_thung)
* [Honey Sri-Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_Sri-Isan), born in [Kalasin Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasin_Province), singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Siriporn Ampaipong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siriporn_Ampaipong), born in Udon Thani Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Banyen Rakgan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banyen_Rakgan), born in Ubon Ratchatani Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Tai Orathai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Orathai), born in Ubon Ratchathani Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Mike Phiromphon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Phiromphon), born in Udon Thani Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Maithai Huajaisin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithai_Huajaisin), born in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Phai Phongsathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phai_Phongsathon), born in Yasothon Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Monkaen Kaenkoon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkaen_Kaenkoon), born in Yasothon Province, singing styles: Mor lam, Luk thung
* [Asanee–Wasan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asanee%E2%80%93Wasan), born in [Loei Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Province), singing style: Rock
* [Pongsit Kamphee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongsit_Kamphee), born in [Nong Khai Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai_Province), singing style: Songs for Life
* [Seksan Sukpimai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seksan_Sukpimai), born in [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province), singing style: Rock
* [Lalisa Manoban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lalisa_Manoban), born in [Buriram Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province) , [K-pop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-pop) singer
**Sports**
* [Somluck Kamsing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somluck_Kamsing), the first Thai Olympic gold medalist and amateur boxer, was born in [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province).
* [Paradorn Srichaphan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradorn_Srichaphan), a tennis player, was born in [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province).
* [Ratchanok Intanon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchanok_Intanon), a badminton player, was born in [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon) , She is half-blooded from the provinces of [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et) and [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon). Her father is a native of [Yasothon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon) and her mother is a native of [Roi Et](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et).[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-37)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-38)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-39)
* [Surat Sukha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surat_Sukha), a football player, born in [Sakon Nakhon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon) Province, played with [Melbourne Victory FC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Victory_FC), [Victoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_(Australia)), [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia) between 2009 and 2011, and currently plays for [Buriram United F.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_United_F.C.)
* [Kiatisuk Senamuang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiatisuk_Senamuang), football coach and former player, was born in [Udon Thani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province) and resides in [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province).
## References
1. ^ [ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562](https://www.forest.go.th/) \[Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019\]. Royal Forest Department (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2021. Information, Forest statistics Year 2019, Thailand boundary from Department of Provincial Administration in 2013
2. ^ [รายงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ส.2562](http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/) \[Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2019\]. Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior. *[stat.bora.dopa.go.th](http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th)* (in Thai). 31 December 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-3)** Klaus Glashoff. ["Spoken Sanskrit"](http://learnsanskrit.cc/index.php?script=HK&tinput=northeast&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=AU). [learnsanskrit.cc](http://learnsanskrit.cc). Retrieved 18 September 2021.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-PremsSuw2007_4-0)** Premsrirat, Suwilai (2007), ["Endangered languages of Thailand"](http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/ijsl.2007.2007.issue-186/ijsl.2007.043/ijsl.2007.043.xml?format=INT), *International Journal of the Sociology of Language*, **2007** (186): 76, [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1515/ijsl.2007.043](https://doi.org/10.1515%2Fijsl.2007.043), [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_(identifier)) [0165-2516](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0165-2516), [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_(identifier)) [144238668](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:144238668)
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-JohnDr2013_5-0)** Draper, John; Prasertsri, Paweena (2013), "The Isan Culture Maintenance and Revitalisation Programme's multilingual signage attitude survey", *Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development*, **34** (7): 618, [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/01434632.2013.814659](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F01434632.2013.814659), [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_(identifier)) [0143-4632](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0143-4632), [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_(identifier)) [143763692](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143763692)
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-Keyes2013_6-0)** Keyes, Charles (2013), *Finding Their Voice: Northeastern Villagers and the Thai State*, Silkworm Books, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-6162150746](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-6162150746)
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-Brow1976_7-0)** Brow, James (1976). *[Population, land and structural change in Sri Lanka and Thailand](https://books.google.com/books?id=IiUVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA47)*. Brill Archive. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-04529-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-04529-3)., page 47
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-8)** Søren Ivarsson, *Creating Laos: Making of A Laos Space Between Indochina and Siam* (2008), p.41
9. ^ Keyes, Charles F (March 1967). "Isan: Regionalism in Northeastern Thailand". *[Cornell Thailand Project; Interim Reports Series, No. 10](https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/57533/065.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y)* (PDF). Ithaca: Department of Asian Studies, Cornell University. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-10)** Stokes, Demelza. ["Thailand's forest rangers step up training in violent 'blood wood' war"](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jan/05/thailands-forest-rangers-step-up-training-in-violent-blood-wood-war), *[The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian)*, London, 5 January 2016. Retrieved on 11 February 2017.
11. ^ Janssen, Peter (2 November 2016). ["Thailand takes a long-term gamble on Isaan region"](http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Economy/Thailand-takes-a-long-term-gamble-on-Isaan-region?page=1). *Nikkei Asian Review*. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
12. ^ *[Getting Back on Track; Reviving Growth and Securing Prosperity for All; Thailand Systematic Country Diagnostic](http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/855161479736248522/pdf/110396-REVISED-WB-Thailand-SCD-ENG-FINAL-Feb-16.pdf)* (PDF). Washington: World Bank Group. 7 November 2016.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-13)** PCL., Post Publishing. ["Bangkok Post"](http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/438812/farang-in-laws-add-b8-7bn-to-gdp). *[www.bangkokpost.com](http://www.bangkokpost.com)*.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-14)** Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree (30 November 2017). ["ISAAN LOVE TRIANGLE: THAI MEN FOUND LACKING BY FARANG-LOVING WOMEN"](http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2017/11/30/isaan-love-triangle-thai-men-found-lacking-farang-loving-women/). *Khaosod English*. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-15)** Sritama, Suchat (5 June 2018). ["Nakhon Phanom eyed as new tourism hub"](https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/in-thailand/1478941/nakhon-phanom-eyed-as-new-tourism-hub). *Bangkok Post*. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-16)** ["Thailand: Northeast(Isan)-Britanica Online Encyclopedia"](http://search.eb.com/eb/article-274209). [Search.eb.com](http://Search.eb.com). Retrieved 2 May 2010.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-CERD/C/THA/1-3_17-0)** *[International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; Reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the Convention : Thailand](http://www.rlpd.go.th/rlpdnew/images/rlpd_1/HRC/CERD%201_3.pdf)* (PDF) (in English and Thai). United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 28 July 2011. pp. 3, 5, 95. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
18. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-18)** ["Isaan Dialect"](http://siamsmile.webs.com/isaan/isaan.html). *Siamsmile*. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-19)** Schliesinger, Joachim (2001). ["Chapter 2: Khorat Thai"](https://books.google.com/books?id=XTkjBgAAQBAJ). *Tai Groups of Thailand, Vol 2: Profile of the Existing Groups* (eBook by BooksMango ed.). Bangkok: White Lotus Co, Ltd. pp. 7–12. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781633232358](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781633232358). Retrieved 9 July 2017.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-20)** เรืองเดช ปันเขื่อนขัติย์ (Ruengdet Pankhuenkhat) (2009). [ภาษาและวรรณกรรมท้องถิ่นล้านนา: ฉบับสำนวนภาษากำเมือง](http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4697444) \[*Northern Thai dialect and folk literature of Lanna*\] (in Thai). Bangkok: Faculty of Humanities, [MCU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya_University). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-974-11-1078-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-974-11-1078-0).
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-21)** Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. "Thailand", *Ethnologue: Languages of the World*, XVI edition. Dallas: SIL International. Online version: [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_map.asp?name=TH&seq=20](http://www.ethnologue.com/show_map.asp?name=TH&seq=20)
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-Toad_22-0)** Phra Ariyuwat. (1996). *Phya Khankhaak, the Toad King: A Translation of an Isan Fertility Myth in Verse .* Wajuppa Tossa (translator). (pp. 27–34). Lewisburg, PA: Bucknell University Press.
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-CERD_23-0)** International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. (2011). Reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the Convention: First to third periodic reports of States parties due in 2008, Thailand. (GE.11-46262 (E) 141011 181011). New York NY: United Nations.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-24)** ["Ban Sadaeo Primary School website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110719100113/http://school.obec.go.th/sadao/topnews/webboard.php?page=2). [School.obec.go.th](http://School.obec.go.th). Archived from [the original](http://school.obec.go.th/sadao/topnews/webboard.php?page=2) on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-25)** easyzone. ["(2) โรงเรียนบ้านโนนดินจี่ \[ชัยภูมิ เขต 2\] - Thai-school.net"](http://www.thai-school.net/nondinjeschool). *[www.thai-school.net](http://www.thai-school.net)*.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-26)** Kime, Tom (2008). *[Asian Bites: A feast of flavors from Turkey to India to Japan](https://books.google.com/books?id=soQ-x90jQv0C&q=%22many+favorite+Southeast+Asian+dishes+originated+from+Laos,+such+as+the+hot+and+sour+green+papaya+salad%22)*. Penguin. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0756643263](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0756643263). Retrieved 24 August 2015.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-27)** ["Modern Isaan burlesque song"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140630074423/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7aG83_6fGw&NR=1). [Youtube.com](http://Youtube.com). Archived from [the original](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7aG83_6fGw&NR=1) on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-28)** Vail, P. T. (1998). MODERN "MUAI THAI" MYTHOLOGY. Crossroads: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 12(2), 75–95. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/40860679](http://www.jstor.org/stable/40860679)
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-29)** Yang, Angela; Escobar, Joselle (12 January 2020). ["As teen pregnancies soar, Isaan youth calls for better sex-ed"](https://isaanrecord.com/2020/01/12/teenage-pregnancies-sex-education/). *The Isaan Record*. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-30)** Reyland, William (9 March 2017). *Sons of Isan*. Booksmango. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [9786162450655](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9786162450655).
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-31)** Chandler, David P.; Roff, William R.; Smail, John R.W.; Steinberg, David Joel; Taylor, Robert H.; Woodside, Alexander; Wyatt, David K. (1987) \[1971\]. "13 Siam, 1767–1868". In David, Steinberg (ed.). *In search of Southeast Asia* (Revised ed.). Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. pp. 113–117. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8248-1110-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8248-1110-5). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_(identifier)) [500095794](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/500095794).
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-Identity_32-0)** Keyes, Charles F. (1966). "Ethnic Identity and Loyalty of Villagers in Northeastern Thailand". *Asian Survey*.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-DraperJ2004_33-0)** Draper, John (2004). ["Isan: The planning context for language maintenance and revitalization"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311070346/http://www.apacall.org/member/sonjb/sllt/4/Draper04.html). *Second Language Learning and Teaching*. **4**. Archived from [the original](http://www.apacall.org/member/sonjb/sllt/4/Draper04.html) on 11 March 2014.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-34)** [http://202.60.196.117/election2005/northeast.php](http://202.60.196.117/election2005/northeast.php)\[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*\]
35. ^ [Jump up to:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C1_35-0)***[a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C1_35-0)*** ***[b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A4%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C1_35-1)*** ["จอมพลสฤษดิ์ ธนะรัชต์ (1)"](http://www.hellomukdahan.com/district/sarit-thanarat-history-01.php). *Hello Mukdahan*. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-36)** ["Pira Sudham"](http://psudham.com/index.html). *Pira Sudham*. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-37)** ["ประวัติรัชนก อินทนนท์ ข้อมูลล่าสุดของรัชนก อินทนนท์"](https://www.thairath.co.th/person/8676). *[www.thairath.co.th](http://www.thairath.co.th)* (in Thai). Retrieved 20 August 2020.
38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-38)** Team, Bangkok101. ["Ratchanok 'May' Intanon"](https://www.bangkok101.com/ratchanok-may-intanon/). *Bangkok 101*. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_ref-39)** Record, The Isaan (24 September 2017). ["รัชนก อินทนนท์: ลูกขนไก่อีสานพลัดถิ่น"](https://isaanrecord.com/2017/09/24/may-ratchanok-profile/). *เดอะอีสานเรคคอร์ด* (in Thai). Retrieved 20 August 2020.
## Further reading
* Alpha Research Co. *Pocket Thailand in Figures*. Alpha Research Co. 2005. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [974-90374-7-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/974-90374-7-2)
* Brow, James (1976). *[Population, land, and structural change in Sri Lanka and Thailand](https://books.google.com/books?id=IiUVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA47)*. Brill Archive. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-04529-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-04529-3).
* Lapanun, Patcharin (2019). *[Love, Money, and Obligation: Transnational Marriage in a Northeastern Thai Village](https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/love-money-and-obligation-transnational-marriage-in-a-northeastern-thai-village)*. Singapore: NUS Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-981-4722-91-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-981-4722-91-9).
* Rhoden, T. F. (1 July 2019). ["The Thai women who marry Western men: lessons from one village in northeast Thailand in Love, Money and Obligation"](https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3016519/western-men-who-marry-thai-isaan-women-examined-love-money). *South China Morning Post*. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
## External links
* Grandstaff, T. B., Grandstaff, S., Limpinuntana, V., & Suphanchaimat, N. "Rainfed revolution in northeast Thailand." *[Southeast Asian Studies](https://kyoto-seas.org/pdf/46/3/460301.pdf)*[ Vol. 46, No. 3, December 2008, 289–376. PDF](https://kyoto-seas.org/pdf/46/3/460301.pdf)
* [McCargo, Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_McCargo), and Krisadawan Hongladarom. "Contesting Isan‐ness: discourses of politics and identity in Northeast Thailand." *[Asian Ethnicity](http://www.polis.leeds.ac.uk/assets/files/thaipol/mccargo-and-krisadawan-2004.pdf)*[ 5.2 (2004): 219-234.](http://www.polis.leeds.ac.uk/assets/files/thaipol/mccargo-and-krisadawan-2004.pdf)
* *[The Isaan Record](http://isaanrecord.com/)*
* [Ethnologue report on Thailand](https://www.ethnologue.com/country/TH)
* [Annual population data for Thailand to 1997 (Chulalongkorn University)](https://web.archive.org/web/20040820020329/http://www.chula.ac.th/institute/IPS/popdata.htm)
* [Population statistics from citypopulation.de](https://web.archive.org/web/20040912013902/http://www.citypopulation.de/Thailand.html)
* [Estimates to 2004, from world-gazeteer.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20010222043251/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/fr/fr_th.htm)
* [Toward a Knowledge-Based Economy: Northeastern Thailand](https://web.archive.org/web/20041121195002/http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Books/Asedp/pdf/066_cap6.pdf)
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