# **North Eastern Region of Thailand** **Isaan Public, Private, and International Montessori School Directory** \  Living in or moving to the North-Eastern Isaan Region of Thailand and looking for an International Montessori School? --- ## **Isan Region Public Montessori Schools** ### **(Thai and Montessori Curriculum)** The school year for schools following the Thai curriculum starts in May and ends in March. April is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in October. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net). In April 2004 the Pilot Project for The Development of the Child’s Potential in Small Government School using the Montessori Approach. The first [AMI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_Montessori_Internationale) 3 to 6 Diploma Course in Thailand started in 2006 and a second course started in 2009, the third course in 2011, and some more followed. ## [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) * **[Ban Nong Hai Kham Pia School](https://montessori.zone/s/nonghai/)** * A. [Ban Haet](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ban+Haet), C. [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) ## [Roi Et Province](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Roi+Et) * **[Ban Nong Waeng School - โรงเรียนบ้านหนองแวง](https://montessori.zone/s/nongwaeng/://montessori.zone/s/nonghai/)** * T. [Nong Kaeo](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nong+Kaeo), A. [Mueang Roi Et](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Roi+Et), C. [Roi Et](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Roi+Et) * **[Ban Raka School - โรงเรียนบ้าน](https://montessori.zone/s/raka/)** * T. [Nong Kaeo](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nong+Kaeo), A. [Mueang Roi Et](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Roi+Et), C. [Roi Et](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Roi+Et) * **[Chumchon Ban Khok Thom, Phi Sit Phitthayakhan](https://montessori.zone/s/phisit/)** * T. [Bua Daeng](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Bua+Daeng), A. [Pathum Rat](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Pathum+Rat), C. [Roi Et](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Roi+Et) ## [Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ubon+Ratchathani) * **[Ban Na Muen School - โรงเรียนบ้านนามึน](https://montessori.zone/s/namuen/)** * T. [Rai Noi](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Rai+Noi), A. [Mueang Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Ubon+Ratchathani), C. [Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ubon+Ratchathani) * **For some public schools, we could not find the correct location until now but they appear in papers, scripts, and presentations. Please help us to make this list complete. Thanks!** ## [Amnat Charoen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Amnat+Charoen) * 2 Montessori Schools (location not available) ## [Chachoengsao](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chachoengsao) * 1 Montessori School (location not available) ## [Chai Nat](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chai+Nat) * 1 Montessori School (location not available) ## [Chonburi](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chonburi) * 1 Montessori School (location not available) ## [Kanchanaburi](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Kanchanaburi) * 3 Montessori Schools (location not available) --- ## **Isaan Region Private Thai and [Bilingual Schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilingual_education)** **(Thai and Montessori Curriculum)** The school year for schools following the Thai curriculum starts in May and ends in March. April is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in October. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net). ## [Buri Ram](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Buri+Ram) * **[Buriram Montessori](https://montessori.zone/s/buriram/)** * T. [Nai Mueang](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nai+Mueang), A. [Mueang Buri Ram](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Buri+Ram), C. [Buri Ram](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Buri+Ram) ## [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) * **[CaSa De Bamboo Montessori School](https://montessori.zone/s/casabamboo/)** * T. [Ban Pet](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ban+Pet), A. [Mueang Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Khon+Kaen), C. [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) * **[Suanson Khonkaen School](https://montessori.zone/s/suanson/)** * A. [Mueang Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Khon+Kaen), C. [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) * **[Unrak Khon Kaen School](https://montessori.zone/s/agapekk/)** * T. [Nai Mueang](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nai+Mueang), A. [Mueang Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Khon+Kaen), C. [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) ## [Loei](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Loei) * **[Loei Montessori School - เลย มอนเทสซอริ](https://montessori.zone/s/loei/)** * T. [Nam Man](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nam+Man), A. [Mueang Loei](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Loei), C. [Loei](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Loei) ## [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nakhon+Ratchasima) * **[Korat Montessori](https://montessori.zone/s/morimorimori/)** * [Nai Mueang](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nai+Mueang), C. [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nakhon+Ratchasima+Mueang) * **[MoriMoriMori](https://montessori.zone/s/morimorimori/)** * [Nai Mueang](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nai+Mueang), C. [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nakhon+Ratchasima+Mueang) ## [Nong Khai](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nong+Khai) * **[Sirakan Montessori School](https://montessori.zone/s/sirakan/)** * T. [Khai Bok Wan](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khai+Bok+Wan), A. [Mueang Nong Khai](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Nong+Khai), C. [Nong Khai](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nong+Khai) ## [Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ubon+Ratchathani) * **[Panwarin Montessori](https://montessori.zone/s/panwarin/)** * T. [Saen Suk](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Saen+Suk), A. [Warin Chamrap](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Warin+Chamrap), C. [Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ubon+Ratchathani) * **[Piamsook Montessori School](https://montessori.zone/s/piamsook/)** * A. [Mueang Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mieang+Ubon+Ratchathani), C. [Ubon Ratchathani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ubon+Ratchathani) ## [Udon Thani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Udon+Thani) * **[Udon Montessori](https://montessori.zone/s/udon/)** * T. [Mu Mon](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mu+Mon), A. [Mueang Udon Thani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Udon+Thani), C. [Udon Thani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Udon+Thani) * **[Udon Sensory School](https://montessori.zone/s/udonsensory/)** * C. [Udon Thani](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Udon+Thani) --- ## **Isaan Region Private International Schools** **(Thai International and Montessori Curriculum)** The international school year for schools following the Thai international curriculum starts in August and ends in June. July is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in February. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net). ## [Kalasin](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Kalasin) * **[Kalasin Montessori School](https://montessori.zone/s/kalasin/)** * T. [Phon Thong](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Phon+Thong), A. [Mueang Kalasin](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Kalasin), C. [Kalasin](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Kalasin) ## Khon Kaen * **[Ratchut School](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ratchut_School&action=edit&redlink=1)** * T. [Hua Nong](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Hua+Nong), A. [Ban Phai](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Ban+Phai), C. [Khon Kaen](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Khon+Kaen) ## [Mukdahan](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mukdahan) * **[Mukdahan Montessori School](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mukdahan_Montessori_School&action=edit&redlink=1)** * A. [Mueang Mukdahan](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Mukdahan), C. [Mukdahan](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mukdahan) --- Isaan Region Montessori Homeschool Centers, Groups, and Families (Official Registered Thai Homeschooling and Learning Centers that are following or are oriented on the Montessori Curriculum in addition to other mandatory or chosen Thai or international curricula) The Thai homeschool year starts in January and ends in November. December is considered a holiday. A half-term break can be chosen freely. All Thai National Tests (O-Net) are optional for homeschoolers. Thai parents need to register their children to be legally able to homeschool their children with the provincial primary or secondary Education office. In some provinces, the secondary Education office is located in another province (i.e. Phuket Secondary students need to be registered in [Phang Nga Secondary Education Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phang_Nga_Secondary_Education_Office&action=edit&redlink=1) while Elementary students can be registered with the [Phuket Primary Education Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phuket_Primary_Education_Office&action=edit&redlink=1)). Additionally, they need a Homeschool "Leader" with at least a Secondary Grade Final Exam (Mathayom 6). The Thai Government is supporting homeschool families financially per school term. Foreigners can not lead a Homeschool while they are able to teach Homeschool students. ## [General](https://montessori.zone/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Forum) * **[Montessori Homeschooling in Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Montessori_Homeschooling_in_Thailand&action=edit&redlink=1)** * Montessori Homeschooling - Discussion in English Language and in another Group in the Thai Language --- ### Online International Montessori School Programs with a presence in Thailand --- # Isaan - North-Eastern Thailand **[The following is cited from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand)** | **Northeastern Region**<br><br>**ภาคอีสาน** | | --------------------------- | | **[Region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Thailand)** | | <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>From upper-left to lower-right: [Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge), [Phu Kradueng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Kradueng_National_Park), [Khao Yai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Yai_National_Park), [Phanom Rung Historical Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanom_Rung_Historical_Park), and [Candle Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Candle_Festival) | | <br><br>Northeastern Region in Thailand | | Largest city: [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima) | | Provinces: 20 provinces | * [Amnat Charoen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnat_Charoen_Province) * [Bueng Kan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bueng_Kan_Province) * [Buriram Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province) * [Chaiyaphum Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum_Province) * [Kalasin Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasin_Province) * [Khon Kaen Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province) * [Loei Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Province) * [Maha Sarakham Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sarakham_Province) * [Mukdahan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan_Province) * [Nakhon Phanom Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom_Province) * [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province) * [Nong Khai Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai_Province) * [Nongbua Lamphu Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nongbua_Lamphu_Province) * [Roi Et Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province) * [Sakon Nakhon Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon_Province) * [Sisaket Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province) * [Surin Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Province) * [Ubon Ratchathani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Province) * [Udon Thani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province) * [Yasothon Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasothon_Province) | Area[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-RFD-1) • Total: 167,718 km2 (64,756 sq mi) | | ------------------------------------------- | | Population (2019)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-TDD-2) | | • Total: 22,017,248 | | • Density: 130/km2 (340/sq mi) | | [Demonym(s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonym): [Khon Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_people) | | [Time zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_zone): [UTC+7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%2B7) ([ICT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_in_Thailand)) | | [Language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language): [Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_language) • *others* | **Northeast Thailand** or **Isan** ([Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_language)/[Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): อีสาน, pronounced [\[ʔīː.sǎːn\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Thai) ([](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Th-Isan.ogg)[listen](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Th-Isan.ogg)); [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_language): ອີສານ; also written as Isaan, Isarn, Issarn, Issan, Esan, or Esarn; from [Pali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali) *īsānna* or [Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit) ईशान्य *īśānya* "northeast")[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-3) consists of 20 provinces in the northeastern region of [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand). Isan is Thailand's largest [region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Thailand), located on the [Khorat Plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Plateau), [bordered](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border) by the [Mekong River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong) (along with [Laos–Thailand border](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos%E2%80%93Thailand_border)) to the north and east, by [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia) to the southeast, and the [Sankamphaeng Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankamphaeng_Range) south of [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima). To the west, it is separated from [northern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand) and [central Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Thailand) by the [Phetchabun Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchabun_Mountains). Isan covers 167,718 km2 (64,756 sq mi) making it about half the size of [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany) and roughly the size of [England and Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_and_Wales). The total forest area is 25,203 km2 (9,731 sq mi) or 15 percent of Isan's area.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-RFD-1) Since the beginning of the 20th century, northeastern Thailand has been generally known as *Isan*, while in official contexts the term *phak tawan-ok-chiang-nuea* (ภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ; "northeastern region") may be used. The term "Isan" was derived from [Isanapura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isanapura), the capital of [Chenla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenla)\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*\]. The majority population of the Isan region is ethnically Lao, but distinguish themselves not only from the Lao of [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos) but also from the central [Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_people) by calling themselves *[khon Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_people)* or *Thai Isan* in general. However, some refer to themselves as simply *Lao*, and academics have recently been referring to them as *Lao Isan*[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-PremsSuw2007-4) or as *Thai Lao*, with the main issue with self-identification as *Lao* being stigma associated with the Lao identity within Thai society.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-JohnDr2013-5) The *Lao Isan* people are aware of their [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_people) ethnic origin, but Isan has been incorporated as a territory into the modern Thai state through over one hundred years of administrative and bureaucratic reforms, educational policy, and government media. Despite this, since the election of [Thaksin Shinawatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaksin_Shinawatra) as prime minister in the [2001 Thai general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Thai_general_election), the *Lao Isan* identity has reemerged, and the *Lao Isan* are now the main ethnolinguistic group involved in the pro-Thaksin "Red Shirt movement" of the [United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Front_for_Democracy_Against_Dictatorship).[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes2013-6) Several Thai prime ministers have come from the region. ## **Contents** 1. [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#History) 2. [Geography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Geography) 1. [National parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#National_parks) 2. [Biodiversity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Biodiversity) 3. [Economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Economy) 1. [Tourism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Tourism) 4. [Demographics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Demographics) 1. [Population](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Population) 2. [Languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Languages) 5. [Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Education) 6. [Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Culture) 7. [Religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Religion) 8. [Thaification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Thaification) 9. [Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Transportation) 1. [Communications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Communications) 2. [Rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Rail) 3. [Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Road) 4. [Air](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Air) 5. [Bus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Bus) 6. [Waterways](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Waterways) 10. [Administrative divisions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Administrative_divisions) 11. [Notable natives or residents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Notable_natives_or_residents) 12. [References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#References) 13. [Further reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#Further_reading) 14. [External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#External_links) ## History *Main article: [History of Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Isan)*  Black ceramic jar, Ban Chiang culture, Thailand, 1200-800 BCE.  19th-century map showing the Isan region situated between Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia Isan has a number of important [Bronze Age](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Age) sites, with [prehistoric art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_art) in the form of cliff paintings, artifacts, and early evidence of [rice cultivation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_cultivation). [Iron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron#History) and [bronze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze#History) tools such as those found at [Ban Chiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ban_Chiang) may predate similar tools from [Mesopotamia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia). The region later came under the influence of the [Dvaravati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvaravati) culture, followed by the [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire). The latter built dozens of *prasats* (sanctuaries) throughout Isan. The most significant are [Phimai Historical Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phimai_Historical_Park) and [Phanom Rung Historical Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanom_Rung_Historical_Park). [Preah Vihear Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preah_Vihear_Temple) was also considered to be in Isan until the International Court of Justice in 1962 ruled that it belonged to Cambodia. After the Khmer Empire began to decline in the 13th century, Isan was dominated by the Lao kingdom of [Lan Xang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Xang), which had been established by [Fa Ngum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fa_Ngum). Due to a scarcity of information from the periods known as the [dark ages of Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_ages_of_Cambodia), the plateau seems to have been largely depopulated. There were few if any lines of demarcation, for prior to the 19th-century introduction of modern mapping, the region fell under what 20th-century scholars called the "[mandala system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala_(political_model))". Accordingly, in 1718 the first Lao [Mueang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mueang) in the [Chi River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_River) valley — and indeed anywhere in the interior of the Khorat Plateau — was founded at [Suwannaphum District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwannaphum_District) (in present-day [Roi Et Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roi_Et_Province)) by an official in the service of King [Nokasad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokasad) of the [Kingdom of Champasak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Champasak).[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Brow1976-7) The region was increasingly settled by both Lao and Thai emigrants. Thailand held sway from the 17th century and carried out forced [population transfers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_transfer) from the more populous left (east) bank of the Mekong to the right bank in the 18th and 19th centuries. This became more severe following the [Lao rebellion (1826–1828)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_rebellion_(1826%E2%80%931828)) for complete independence of 1826–9. In the wake of the [Franco-Siamese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Siamese_War) of 1893, the resulting treaty with France and the [Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Siamese_Treaty_of_1909) made the plateau a [border](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border) region between Thailand and the Laos of [French Indochina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Indochina).  Isan is under the French zone of influence. In the mid-20th century, the state-supported assimilation policy called [Thaification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaification) promoted the ethnic integration of Isan into the modern conception of Thai nationality and de-emphasized the use of ethnic markers, for ethnic Laos and Khmers, as it was deemed uncivilized and to prevent ethnic discrimination among the Thai people.  Phanom Rung in [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram). The national government claimed that the name "Isan" was derived from Sanskrit *[Īśāna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishana)*, a name of [Shiva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva) they claimed referred to his rule of the northeast (Sanskrit *īśānya*). This interpretation was intended to reinforce Isan's identity as the northeast of Thailand, rather than as part of the Lao kingdom which was recently created by the French colonial discourse, as "race was then an important ideological tool for French colonialists in the attempt to seize the 'Laotian' and 'Cambodian' portions of Siam."[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-8) Before the central government introduced the [Thai alphabet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_alphabet) and language in regional schools, the people of Isan wrote in the [Tai Noi script](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Noi_script), a very similar script to the one that the Thai adopted. Most people speak Isan, a variety of Lao, as their first language. A significant minority in the south also speaks [Northern Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Khmer_dialect). The Kuy people, an [Austroasiatic people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austroasiatic_languages) concentrated around the core of what was once called "Chenla" and known as the *Khmer Boran* "ancient Khmer", are a link to the region's pre-Tai history. ## Geography *Main article: [Khorat Plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Plateau)*  Satellite image of Isan: the borders with [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos) and [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia) can be seen due to the greater deforestation within Isan. Isan is roughly coterminous with the [Khorat Plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Plateau), which tilts gently from its northwestern corner where it is about 213 m (700 feet) above sea level to the southeast where the elevation is only about 62 meters (200 feet). Except for a few hills in the northeastern corner, the region is primarily gently undulating land, most of it varying in elevation from 90–180 m (300–600 feet), tilting from the [Phetchabun Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchabun_Mountains) in the west down toward the [Mekong River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong_River).[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Keyes-1967-9): 1  The plateau consists of two [plains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain): the southern Khorat plain is drained by the [Mun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mun_River) and [Chi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_River) rivers, while the northern Sakon Nakhon plain is drained by the [Loei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_River) and [Songkhram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkhram_River) rivers. The two plains are separated by the [Phu Phan Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Phan_Mountains). The [soil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil) is mostly [sandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand), with substantial [salt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt) deposits.  Cities, mountains, and rivers of Isan The Mekong forms most of the border between Thailand and [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos) to the north and east of Isan, while the south of the region borders [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia). The Mekong's main Thai [tributary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tributary) is the Mun River, which rises in the [Khao Yai National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Yai_National_Park) near [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province) and runs east, joining the Mekong in [Ubon Ratchathani Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Province). The other main river in Isan is the Chi River, which flows through central Isan before turning south to meet the Mun in [Sisaket Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province). The smaller Loei and Songkhram rivers are also tributaries of the Mekong, the former flowing north through [Loei Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei_Province) and the latter flowing east through [Udon Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani_Province), [Sakon Nakhon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakon_Nakhon_Province), [Nakhon Phanom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom_Province), and [Nong Khai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai_Province) Provinces. The average [temperature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperature) range is from 30.2 °C (86.4 °F) to 19.6 °C (67.3 °F). The highest temperature recorded was 43.9 °C (111.0 °F) in Udon Thani and the lowest was −1.4 °C (29.5 °F) at Sakhon Nakhon Agro Station.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*\] Rainfall is unpredictable but is concentrated in the [rainy season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainy_season) from May to October. Average annual [precipitation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precipitation_(meteorology)) varies from 2,000 mm (79 in) in some areas to 1,270 mm (50 in) in the southwestern provinces of [Nakhon Ratchasima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province), [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province), [Maha Sarakham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sarakham_Province), [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province), and [Chaiyaphum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum_Province). The rainy season begins with occasional short but heavy showers, eventually raining heavily for longer periods almost every day, usually in the late afternoon or at night, until it ends abruptly at the onset of the cool season. The cool season runs from October to February and the hot season from February to May with the peak of high temperatures in April. ### **National parks** *Main article: [List of national parks of Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_parks_of_Thailand)* There are around twenty-six [national parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_protected_areas_of_Thailand#National_parks_in_Isan_and_adjacent_areas). Province Khon Kaen has four national parks of which, [Phu Pha Man National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Pha_Man_National_Park) with Klang Khao cave notable is for its large daily exodus of bats at dusk, making a formation about 10 kilometers (6 mi) long. [Siam tulip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siam_tulip) fields are in [Sai Thong National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_Thong_National_Park) and [Pa Hin Ngam National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pa_Hin_Ngam_National_Park), both in Chaiyaphum Province. [Phu Phan National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Phan_National_Park) in Sakon Nakhon Province includes the eight-meter (26 ft) long Tang Pee Parn natural stone bridge. Among the best-known national parks of Thailand are [Khao Yai National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Yai_National_Park) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and [Phu Kradueng National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Kradueng_National_Park) in Loei Province. ### **Biodiversity** The region boasts high biodiversity and many endemic species, with several national parks. Both wildlife and plant species are exploited illegally. Valuable hardwood tree species, in particular [Siamese Rosewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalbergia_cochinchinensis), are being extracted for sale in especially the Chinese furniture market. These trees are so valuable that poachers, coming across the border from Cambodia, are heavily armed, and both rangers and poachers have been killed over them. In the national parks such as [Ta Phraya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Phraya_National_Park), rangers are since 2015 trained in military-style counter-poaching measures by the elite ranger squad Hasadin [\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-10) ## Economy *Main article: [Economy of Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Isan)* Isan is home to one-third of Thailand's population of 67 million but contributes only ten percent to the national [GDP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDP).[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-NAR-20161102-11) In terms of regional value-added per capita, Isan is Thailand's poorest region. Bangkok is the richest, followed by [central Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Thailand), [southern Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Thailand), then [northern Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand). This ordering has been unchanged for decades.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-WB-20161107-12): 57  Thailand's highly centralized fiscal system reinforces the status quo. An example of this Bangkok-centric policy is the allocation of budgets: Bangkok accounts for about 17 percent of the population and 25.8 percent of GDP, but benefits from about 72.2 percent of total expenditures. Isan accounts for about 34 percent of the population and 11.5 percent of GDP but receives only 5.8 percent of expenditures.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-WB-20161107-12): 58 [Agriculture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture) is the largest sector of the economy, generating around 22 percent of the [gross regional product](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_regional_product) (compared to 8.5 percent for Thailand as a whole). Sticky rice, the staple food of the region, is the main agricultural crop (accounting for about 60 percent of cultivated land). It thrives in poorly drained paddy fields, where fields can be flooded from nearby streams, rivers, and ponds. Often two harvests are possible each year. Farmers are increasingly diversifying into cash crops such as [sugarcane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarcane) and [cassava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava), which are cultivated on a vast scale, and to a lesser extent, rubber. Silk production is an important cottage industry and contributes significantly to the economy.  Phu Kra Dung is a well-known tourist destination in Isan. [Nong Khai Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai_Province), which stretches along the Mekong River, is noted for the production of [pineapples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple), [tobacco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco) (which is dried, cured, and shredded by the families before collection by cigarette manufacturers), and [tomatoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato), which are grown on an industrial scale, particularly in [Si Chiang Mai District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Si_Chiang_Mai_District). Despite its dominance in the economy, agriculture in the region is problematic. The climate is prone to [drought](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drought), while the flat terrain of the [plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau) is often [flooded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood) in the rainy season. The tendency to flood renders a large proportion of the land unsuitable for [cultivation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillage). In addition, the soil is highly [acidic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid), [saline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt), and infertile from overuse. Since the 1970s, agriculture has been declining in importance as a [trade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade) and [the service sector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertiary_sector_of_the_economy) has been increasing. Very few farmers still use [water buffalos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_buffalo) rather than [tractors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tractor). Nowadays, water buffalos are mainly kept by almost all rural families as status symbols. The main piece of agricultural equipment in use today is the "rot tai na" ([Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): รถไถนา, lit. "vehicle plow field") colloquially referred to as "kwai lek" ([Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): ควายเหล็ก, or "iron/steel buffalo"), or more generally by its manufacturer's name of "Kubota", a mini-tractor composed of a small diesel engine mounted on two wheels with long wooden or metal handlebars for steering. It is usually attached to a trailer or a plow. Buffalo is now mainly used for grazing on the stubble in the rice paddy, which they, in turn, fertilize with their manure. The main animals raised for food are cattle, pigs, chickens, ducks, and fish. Most of Thailand's rural poor live in Isan.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-NAR-20161102-11) The region's poverty is reflected in its infrastructure: eight of the ten provinces in Thailand with the fewest physicians per capita are in Isan. [Sisaket Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province) has the fewest, with one physician per 14,661 persons in 2001, with the national average being 3,289. It also has eight of the ten provinces with the fewest hospital beds per head. [Chaiyaphum Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum_Province) has the fewest, with one per 1,131 in 2001 (the national average was 453). Nevertheless, as in the rest of Thailand, all districts (*[Amphoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe)*) have a hospital, and all sub-districts (*[tambon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambon)*) have clinics providing primary health care. The introduction of the "[30 baht](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30-baht_scheme)" health card has dramatically changed the numbers of those attending hospitals for treatment, as it has meant that full health care is available to all who register for only 30 baht per visit. The few who can afford it travel to the modern private hospitals and clinics in the large cities for non-urgent specialist consultations and care.  Central Plaza, [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen) The region lags in new technology: there was only one Internet connection per 75 households in 2002 (national average: one per 22 households) \[update needed\], but by 2006 every district town (Amphoe) had at least one publicly accessible Internet connection, either in a local computer shop or in the district office. Extension of [landline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landline) telephones to remote areas not previously served has been largely superseded by the use of [mobile phones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone), primarily of [GSM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM) format, which now covers the entire region with the exception of a few sparsely populated mountainous areas and large national parks. Many people, even the poorest and frequently also children, have cellular telephones, although they have no fixed-line telephone. In this sense, Isan has led advanced nations where land-line service is now being superseded by cellular technology. The region also has the lowest literacy rate when compared with other regions in Thailand. P ullman [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen) Raja Orchid By the beginning of 2008, most Amphoe had been provided with [ADSL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADSL) by the [TOT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOT_Public_Company_Limited), leaving the majority of the rural population dependent on dial-up connections for those few who have land-line telephones. This results in slow service that does not adequately meet modern data-hungry needs. Most rural people rely on smartphones for data services. Internet shops with high-speed connections have for many years provided service to those who cannot afford or do not have access to high-speed Internet. They are heavily patronized by primary and secondary school children who come not only to use the Internet but also to play online games, use [VOIP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VOIP), or just to use the computer and printers. Resident Western expatriates and foreign tourists are also frequent customers. For those outside the district towns who require serious use of the Internet in their homes, the mobile phone or an iPstar broadband satellite connection is the only alternative, although more expensive than a DSL connection. It is far less reliable and suffers considerable downtime due to overloading, heavy cloud cover, and rain. Despite, in theory, being "always-on", it often lacks adequate stability for streaming and clarity of VOIP.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*\] Many Isan people seek higher-paying work outside the region, particularly in [Bangkok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok). Some of these people have settled permanently in the city, while some migrate to and fro. Others have emigrated in search of better wages. Rather than relocate as a family, they usually leave their babies and school-age children in the care of relatives, friends, or neighbors.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*\] Average wages in Isan were the lowest in the country in 2002 at 3,928 baht per month (the national average was 6,445 baht). A [Khon Kaen University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_University) study (2014) found that marriages with foreigners by Thai northeastern women boosted the gross domestic product of the northeast by 8.67 billion baht (2014: €211 million or US$270 million). According to the study, after a northeastern woman married a foreigner, she will send 9,600 baht a month on average to her family to help with its expenses. The activity also created 747,094 jobs, the study found.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-13) The 2010 census found that 90 percent of the slightly more than 27,000 foreigners living in the northeastern region were married to women from there.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-14) ### **Tourism** According to the governor of [Nakhon Phanom Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom_Province), "The entire Northeast \[Isan\] gained only 2.9 percent of \[the\] country's tourism income of 2.7 trillion baht \[in 2017\]."[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-15) ## Demographics *See also: [Isan people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_people)* ### **Population**  Phi Ta Khon mask festival in [Loei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loei) Isan's total population as of 2010 was 21,305,000. Forty percent of the population is concentrated in the provinces of Khorat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen, known as the "big four of Isan". These provinces surround the four major cities of the same name. As of 2010, their populations were: [Khorat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province) 142,169; [Udon Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani) 137,979; [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen) 113,828; and [Ubon Ratchathani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani) 83,148. However, as of 2010, only 50 percent of the region's population lived in municipal areas. Kalasin was the most urbanized province (with almost 100 percent in municipal areas), and Roi Et was the least (2.8 percent). Thus, the population is still largely rural but concentrated around the urban centers. There is a substantial [Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people) minority, concentrated in the southern provinces of [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province), [Surin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Province), and [Sisaket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province), and some [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people) refugees in [Mukdahan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukdahan) and [Nakhon Phanom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Phanom). The [Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_people)-speaking minority and the [Kuy people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_people) ("Soui"), who lives in the south of Isan, speak [Austroasiatic languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austroasiatic_languages) and follow customs more similar to those of [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia) than to those of the Thai and Lao, who are [Tai peoples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_peoples).[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-16) **Ethnic groups of Northeast Thailand by language family**[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-CERD/C/THA/1-3-17) | Language family | Ethnic group | Persons | | --------------- | ------------ | ------- | | Tai | [Lao Isan / Thai Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_people) | 13,000,000 | | Tai | [Central Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_people) | 800,000 | | Tai | [Thai Khorat / Tai Beung / Tai Deung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Thai) | 600,000 | | Tai | Thai-Loei | 500,000 | | Tai | Phu Thai | 500,000 | | Tai | [Nyaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyaw_people) | 500,000 | | Tai | [Kaleung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleun_people) | 200,000 | | Tai | [Yoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoy_people) | | | Tai | [Phuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phuan_people) | | | Tai | [Tai-Dam (Song)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_Song) | (not specified) | | **Tai** | **Total** | **16,103,000** | | Austroasiatic | [Thailand Khmer / Northern Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Khmer_people) | 1,400,000 | | Austroasiatic | [Kuy / Kuay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_people) | 400,000 | | Austroasiatic | So | 70,000 | | Austroasiatic | [Bru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bru_people) | | | Austroasiatic | [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people) | 20,000 | | Austroasiatic | Nyeu | 10,000 | | Austroasiatic | [Nyah Kur / Chao Bon / Khon Dong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyah_Kur_people) | 7,000 | | Austroasiatic | Aheu people | 1,500 | | Austroasiatic | [Mon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_people) | 1,000 | | **Austroasiatic** | **Total** | **1,909,000** | | Cannot identify ethnicity and amount | | 3,288,000 | | **Total** | **Total** | **21,300,000** | ### **Languages** *Main articles: [Isan language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_language), [Northern Khmer dialect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Khmer_dialect), [Thai language § Dialects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language#Dialects), [Phu Thai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Thai_language), and [Kuy language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_language)* The main language is [Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_language), the name by which the Lao language is referred to in Thailand due to political reasons, though most people in the Isan region still refer to the language as [Lao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_language) among themselves, and in non-official settings, the dialect from [Khon Kaen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_Province) is [de facto standard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_facto_standard).[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-18) The number of speakers of [Isan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan_language) has been estimated at between 15–23 million, the majority of those living in Isan. Currently written with the [Thai alphabet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_alphabet) (instead of the historically used [Tai Noi script](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Noi_script)), Isan belongs to the Chiang Saeng and Lao–Phutai language groups, which along with Thai are members of the [Tai languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_languages) of the [Kra–Dai language family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kra%E2%80%93Dai_languages). [Central Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language) ([Khorat Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Thai)) is also spoken by almost everyone and is the language used in education but is natively spoken by one-fourth of the population of [Nakhon Ratchasima Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Ratchasima_Province) only. The [Khorat dialect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khorat_Thai), spoken by around 10,000 people,[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-19) occupies a linguistic position somewhere between Lao and standard Thai and is an archaic Central Thai dialect with heavy Khmer and some Lao influence The 'tribal' Tai languages, referred to as 'tribal' due to their origins in mountainous areas of Laos or their adherence to animism, most of which such as Phuthai, Yo, Kaloeng, Phuan, and Tai Dam languages are closely related to Isan and all but the latter are generally mutually intelligible. Even in areas with a heavy linguistic minority presence, native Isan speakers of Lao descent comprised anywhere from sixty to seventy-four percent of the population, although minority language speakers are also bi- or trilingual in Isan, Thai, or both.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-20)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-21)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-Toad-22) Isan is home to many speakers of [Austroasiatic languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austroasiatic_languages), with one and one-half million speakers of the [Northern Khmer dialect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Khmer_dialect) and one-half million speakers of the [Kuy language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_language), both of which are found in the southernmost provinces of Isan. [Khmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_language) is widely spoken in areas along the Cambodian border: [Buriram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buriram_Province), [Surin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin_Province), and [Sisaket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province). There are several small ethnic groups speaking various other Austroasiatic languages, but most are fairly small and restricted to a few villages, or such as [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_language), spoken by small groups in cities. Other languages spoken in Isan, mainly by tribal minorities, are as follows: **Minority languages are spoken in Isan[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-CERD-23)** | Language family | Language | Speakers | Distribution | | --------------- | -------- | -------- | ------------ | | Austroasiatic | [Khmer, Northern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Khmer_dialect) | 1,400,000 | Buriram, Sisaket, Surin, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima | | [Kuy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuy_language) | 400,000 | Surin, Sisaket, Buriram | | | [Vietnamese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_language) | 20,000 | Spoken by small groups in most major cities | | | [Bru, Western](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bru_language) | 20,000 | Mukdahan | | | [Nyah Kur/Mon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyah_Kur_language) | 8,000 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Chayaphum | | | [Bru, Eastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bru_language) | 5,000 | Sakhon Nakhon, Amnat Charoen | | | [Aheu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aheu_language) | 740 | Sakhon Nakhon | | | [Mlabri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mlabri_language) | 300 | Loei | | | Kra-Dai | [Khorat Central Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language#Dialects) | 500,000 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Chaiyaphum | | [Phuthai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phuthai) | 500,000 | Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, Kalasin and Sakon Nakhon | | | [Tai Yo (Tai Gno)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Yo_language) | 500,000 | Sakhon Nakhon, Nongkhai, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham | | | [Krungthep Central Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language#Dialects) | 100,000 | First-language speakers in cities, mostly [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Chinese), are understood throughout Isan and are common second or third language. | | | [Tai Yoy (Tai Gnoi)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoy_language) | 50,000 | Sakhon Nakhon | | | [Saek (Sèk)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saek_language) | \~7,000 | Nakhon Phanom | | | Sino-Tibetan | [Chinese, Minnan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min) | Unknown, dying | Mostly Teochew, also Hokkien and Hailam, are spoken by the oldest members of the Sino-Isan community. | | Hmong-Mien | [Hmong/Mong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hmong_language) | Unknown | Loei | ## Education  Sakhon Nakhon Rajabhat University Education is well-provided for by the government in terms of a number of establishments and is supplemented in the larger cities by the private sector (mostly Catholic and international schools). Following the national pattern of [education in Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Thailand), there are primary (elementary) schools in all larger villages and (*[tambon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambon)*) capitals, with secondary (high) schools to grade 12 (approximately age 18) in the district (*[Amphoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe)*) towns.  Library, Ubon Ratchathani University Many other secondary schools provide education only to grade 9, while some combined schools provide education from grade 1 through grade 9. Rural schools are generally less well equipped than the schools in the large towns and cities and the standard of instruction, particularly for the English language, is much lower. Many children of poorer families leave school after grade 6 (age 12) to work on the farms. A number move to areas of dense or tourist populations to work in the service industry. Many primary schools operate their own websites[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-24) and almost all schoolchildren in Isan, at least from junior high school age,[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan#cite_note-25) are now (2008) largely computer literate in basic programs. In 2001, there were 43 government vocational and polytechnic colleges throughout the region, several specialized training colleges in the private sector, and large colleges of agriculture and nursing in Udon Thani Province. Universities are found in the major cities of Khon Kaen (one of the country's largest), Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and the smaller provincial capital of [Maha Sarakham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sarakham). Some Bangkok-based universities have small campuses in Isan, and [Khon Kaen University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khon_Kaen_University) maintains a large installation on the outskirts of \[Nong Khai\]([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong) ## 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) --- Text is available under the [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_Attribution-ShareAlike_3.0_Unported_License); additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the [Terms of Use](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Terms_of_Use) and [Privacy Policy](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Privacy_policy) of Wikipedia too! Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https://www.wikimediafoundation.org/), a non-profit organization.