Standard Thai · Bangkok Thai
The Bangkok-area variety that forms the basis of the modern Thai standard. The reference variety in education, broadcasting, and most Thai instruction abroad.
Isan
Also known as: Northeastern Thai, Lao-Isan
The Tai language of Thailand's Northeast region. Closer to Lao than to Central Thai; spoken by the largest non-Central-Thai population in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
What language is Isan?
Isan is a dialect of Thai.
Which region is Isan associated with?
Isan is part of the Southeast Asia region on DialectAtlas.
Is Isan known by other names?
Yes — Isan is also referred to as Northeastern Thai, Lao-Isan.
What are the other dialects of Thai?
Thai also includes Central Thai, Lanna. Each variety has its own vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural context.
Other Thai dialects
See on the atlas →Northern Thai · Kham Mueang
The Tai language of Thailand's Northern region around Chiang Mai. Carries its own historical script and a literary tradition tied to the former Lanna kingdom.