Who are considered the ancestors of the modern Thai people?

The Tai people are considered the ancestors of the modern Thai people because they are part of the larger Tai-Kadai language family, which forms the linguistic and cultural foundation of Thai identity. Historically, the Tai people migrated from southern China into Southeast Asia, bringing with them their language, culture, and social structures. This migration and subsequent settlement in what is now Thailand greatly influenced the development of the Thai state and society.

Countless aspects of Thai culture, including language, traditions, and customs, can be traced back to these early ancestors. The establishment of the Kingdom of Sukhothai in the 13th century is often regarded as the beginning of the Thai nation, where Tai cultural elements began to flourish and evolve into the more unified Thai identity recognized today. The influence of the Tai people is a fundamental part of understanding Thailand’s history and the formation of its national identity.