Kuy people are found in
In appearance they do not differ from the Khmers or the other ethnic groups in the Mon-Khmer language cluster. They have their own unwritten language. One folk tale is that the village elders originally wrote their language on a pig skin but then dogs ate it so their writing was lost. Kuy is in the Mon-Khmer language group and there are several dialects. Most Kuy people also speak Khmer, Thai, or Lao and in some places they are losing their own language.
What are their lives like?
The Kuy are mostly poor wet rice farmers. Farming is labor intensive, plowing with cows or water buffalo and transporting goods by oxcart. They grow few other crops, though in some areas they grow cashews. They also raise chickens, pigs and cattle. Many also gather forest products like resin, wood, and traditional medicines although this is changing due rapid deforestation. Frequently, their diet consists of rice eaten with salt and chili peppers.
Kuy villagers live in houses like those of their Khmer neighbors, bamboo and thatch on stilts. Their fields are typically some distance away surrounding the village. Their dress is not different from that of the Khmer people. They often wear western type clothing though women often wear a sarong. Both men and women use the Cambodian Krama (checked cotton piece of fabric) as scarves, head wear, belts, wraps for bathing, and other uses.
Like most in minority groups in Southeast Asia, the Kuy have an oral culture with high illiteracy. For most, education is only available for two or three years. This is contributing to their assimilation into Cambodian, Lao or Thai culture.
Their beliefs are a mixture of animist and folk Buddhist ideas with animism being the older and more dominant belief structure. Buddhism is increasing in their areas as they assimilate more with the majority peoples. For example one large village now has a very simple wooden Buddhist temple built less than 10 years ago. Many wear strings tied around the neck, waist or wrists to ward off evil spirits. They mostly rely on traditional healers in the case of illness.
What are their needs?
The Kuy are at the lower end of the economic heap. They are often looked down upon by majority peoples. The Kuy have little access to good health care. They could really benefit from health and hygiene education, better access to clean water, and improved agricultural methods.
Many have never heard of Jesus and few have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel presented in a way that makes sense to them. Pray for committed Cambodians, Thais and other believers to bring the good news to these people.
