Written Language of Thai People in India: Tai Pa-Ke Community at Namphake Village, Assam, India

Experience the written language and culture of the Tai Pa-Ke people at Namphake Village, Assam, India

When talking about India, many think of big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai, but for me, mr.hotsia, this journey takes us deep into a small community hidden in Assam state in northeastern India. It is home to the Tai Pa-Ke people, also known as the Thai in India, especially Namphake Village. This is the destination I intended to experience the unique lifestyle and written language of the Thai community in India.

Namphake Village is located in Assam, a state where most people speak Assamese and Bengali. However, the Tai Pa-Ke people here have strongly preserved their own written and spoken language, despite being far from their original homeland in Southeast Asia. The script they use for writing still relates to ancient Thai. I saw the script used in documents and signs around the village, which retain the beauty and charm of authentic Thai style.

Traveling here is not easy because there is no direct airport at the village. You must take a vehicle from a major city in Assam and drive along winding roads through mountains and dense forests. But upon arrival, I felt as if I had entered a different world — a simple way of life, the warmth of the community, and the Thai essence in this remote land.

Daily Life of Tai Pa-Ke People and Written Language in the Village

The Tai Pa-Ke people in Namphake Village live a lifestyle that blends Thai culture with the local Assamese language harmoniously. They continue to use the Tai Pa-Ke language in daily life and various ceremonies. I had the opportunity to talk with elders in the community who shared the importance of the Tai Pa-Ke written language passed down through generations, even as Assamese and Hindi have become more prominent today.

Interestingly, the characters used to write Tai Pa-Ke still resemble ancient Thai script. Villagers use it for writing historical records, local literature, as well as prayers and religious ceremonies. I saw old books documenting the community’s stories and traditions, which are invaluable cultural treasures for them.

Market and Local Food at Namphake

My visit to Namphake Village, as mr.hotsia, was not only about language and culture but also about experiencing a variety of local foods full of flavors different from those in big Indian cities like Bangalore or Mumbai.

The market in this small village is full of fresh produce, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and foods prepared by the Tai Pa-Ke people, such as grilled sticky rice, herbal roasted pork, and freshwater fish caught from nearby rivers. I tasted these dishes with villagers during the annual village feast, filled with laughter and traditional music.

If anyone has followed my previous trips in India, such asBangaloreorMumbaiyou will know that the flavors here are distinctly different. Namphake Village is simple but full of warmth and the true taste of Thai culture in India.

Journey to Namphake Village

To travel to Namphake Village, I recommend starting from a major city in Assam, such as Guwahati, which is the main city with an airport and train station connecting to other cities. Then continue by car or local bus to the village. I, mr.hotsia, must say the mountain roads and some stretches are quite challenging, but once you arrive, the fatigue disappears immediately when you experience this unique culture.

On the same route, I have also traveled toDarjeelingwhich is not far away. It is another interesting destination for nature and culture lovers in northeastern India.

Summary from mr.hotsia about the Thai Community in India

Visiting the Tai Pa-Ke community at Namphake Village was a valuable and unique experience for me, mr.hotsia. I saw that the written language and culture of the Thai people are preserved well despite being far from their homeland. I believe cultural travel like this opens new perspectives and makes us feel closer to the diversity of humanity on this planet.

If anyone is interested in experiencing a unique Thai identity in India, I recommend researching and planning a trip to Namphake Village. You will surely discover new perspectives in language, culture, and food unlike anywhere else.

For those interested in following my other travel stories, mr.hotsia, you can check out articles aboutNam Chi River Tripor backpacking in big cities likeChennaiwhich also have many interesting stories.