Research & Article

The So People of Kusuman, Northeastern Thailand

By Raymond S. Kania, Siriphan Hatuwong Kania

Published on 12 May 2024

Tai Ethnic Group
Location of original sources

Journal of the Siam Society (JSS) Vol. 67.1 (1979)

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The So People of Kusuman, Northeastern Thailand


The origin of the So is not clearly known, but they have now settled in Sakon Nakhon Province. Their livelihood is based on subsistence agriculture and they believe in animism with a village leader conducting rituals and communicating with spirits. They believe that spirits can cause sickness or death. Conflicts within the community are settled by their village leader. Young people are free to have a life partner of their choice. Folk wisdom on life and livelihood are handed down to the young generation through actual practice and through folk tales.