How similar are the Lao and Thai culture and languages?

If the Thais are from the Northeastern region (Isan), then it's easier for them, as the Isan dialect is very close to Lao. .... read more

Thai and Lao are closely related languages. They're in a way mutually intelligible at least for a greater part. Thai people can understand most of spoken Lao, though perhaps with difficulties. If the Thais are from the Northeastern region (Isan), then it's easier for them, as the Isan dialect is very close to Lao. read more

Dominant Languages: Thai and Lao are just two of the many Tai languages in the four-country region of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. All of the Tai languages have similar vocabulary, grammar, and tone structure. Thai and Lao have been studied the most of all the Tai languages. read more

Best Answer: The Thai and Lao languages are very similar and yes they are mutually intelligible. Both languages are part of the Tai language family which belongs to the larger Tai-Kadai aka Kradai language family. read more