Would you say that Thai and Lao people are ethnically the same?

Question

Please explain your answer.

Answer 1

yes! mum's from laos and she's always telling me they are different, but they're just thai lol

mum also says their language is different, but it's really similar like a laos person could understand thai

Answer 2

Yes and no, the Lao language is spoken as a first language in North East Thailand. Although they also speak and write fluent (Bangkok) Thai. The two countries are separated by the Mekong river. Having said that there are many different languages spoken in Thailand. Skin colour varies as well, it seems there are more lighter skinned people in the north where it is colder. There are many descendants of Chinese living in Thailand now, they of course identify themselves as Thai.