Esarn People

E-sarn, also known as Isan, Isaan or Issan is the Northeast region of Thailand. It is about 160,000 square miles and is located on the Northeastern plain known as the Khorat Plateau. Mountains separate it from the Central plain and have an average elevation of 600 feet.

It is drained by the Mun and Chi rivers flowing into the Mekong River which forms part of Thailand's border with Laos.

The Northeast of Thailand is made up of nineteen (19) provinces namely: Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nathon, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchani, Udon Thani and Yasothorn.

Its main economic activity is agriculture but lags behind the other regions of the country. E-sarn is considered Thailand's poorest region. The region's main language is Isan, a language similar to Lao.

Early Inhabitants

E-sarn was dominated by the Lao Lan Xang Kingdom after the decline of the Khmer empire in the 13th century.

The increase in Lao migrants became evident. Forced population transfers from Laos to E-sarn were carried out during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the 20th century, Thai policies were instituted that aimed to integrate E-sarn to Thailand. These policies gave the people benefits in terms of education, transportation, electricity and democratic institutions while at the same time removing emphasis on the Lao origins of the people.

The use of the Thai as the administrative and educational language almost completely eliminated the written Isan. However, majority of the people still speak Isan as Thailand failed to replace it as the mother tongue.

Most people of the region are of Lao origin although there is no clear distinction between the Lao and the Thai ethnicities. The primary difference is that of culture and language rather than physical features. A substantial Khmer minority live in the Southern province of the region.

E-sarn People of Today

Thailand, having been a cultural crossroad for a long time, is home to a population of people of different origins.

A mixture of Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian, Burmese, Malay, Indian and European descendents can be found living in the country. Most people are Buddhist but Muslims, Christians and other religions are well integrated into the country's society.

E-sarn population is largely rural although concentrated around the urban centres.

The Northeast region is gifted with hospitable and courteous people who never fail to welcome visitors especially during its most important yearly festivals. The region's charm has much to do with its vibrant inhabitants speaking their own melodious dialect.

Numerous E-sarn people have gone to places outside the region in search of higher-paying jobs.

At present, Bangkok remains the usual work destination where they occupy most of the lowest-ranking and the worst-paid jobs available. The large number of Northeasterners in Bangkok facilitated the wide availability of Northeastern food in the capital.