Isan

Isan, also known as the northeast region of Thailand, is one of the country's four major regions. It is situated on the Khorat Plateau and shares cultural, linguistic, and religious traditions with the Lao people across the Mekong River. Historically, this area comprised relatively independent realms until the late 19th century. The term "Isan" itself is derived from Sanskrit and means "northeast".1

The population of Isan includes Lao-speaking people who refer to themselves as Khon Isan, distinguishing themselves from both the Lao of Laos and the central Thai. In the southernmost parts of Isan, Khmer and Kuy people reside, with languages and traditions more closely aligned with Cambodia. The southwestern part of Isan, particularly the province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), was a historical outpost of the Siamese empire and is home to Thai Khorat people who speak dialects related to central Thai. While Isan is largely rural, it also features rapidly growing urban centers like Khorat, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.1