The Isan ethnic group is a predominant indigenous ethnic group native to northeastern Thailand. They have their unique cultural heritage, traditions, and language. Over the years, many individuals from the Isan ethnic group have achieved fame and recognition in various fields. Here is a list of 10 famous people from the Isan ethnic group:
- 1. Somsak Jeamteerasakul: A prominent historian and critic known for his work on the Thai monarchy.
- 2. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi: One of Thailand’s wealthiest individuals and the owner of the Thai Beverage company.
- 3. Apichatpong Weerasethakul: An internationally acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique storytelling style.
- 4. Utumporn Jamorntrump: A former professional golfer who became the first Thai golfer to win a major tournament.
- 5. Preecha Chan-o-cha: The father of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and a former Mahidol University professor.
- 6. Ananda Everingham: A Thai-Australian actor who gained recognition for his roles in Thai films and international productions.
- 7. Jakkrit Panichpatikum: A well-known Thai fashion designer and the founder of the brand, “Asava.”
- 8. Chalermchai Kositpipat: A renowned Thai artist famous for his work on Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple.
- 9. Thossaporn Sritula: A Thai Paralympic athlete who won multiple gold medals in the discus throw and shot put.
- 10. Jakrawal Nilthamrong: A film director and screenwriter recognized for his thought-provoking movies.
The individuals mentioned above have not only brought pride to the Isan ethnic group but also contributed significantly to their respective fields. Their achievements serve as inspiration for the younger generation and highlight the talent and diversity within the Isan community.
Most Famous Isan Celebrities
Isan, also known as Northeastern Thailand, is a region in Thailand known for its unique culture and traditions. Over the years, Isan has produced several famous celebrities who have made a name for themselves in various fields. From actors and singers to sports stars and social media influencers, here are some notable celebrities with Isan roots:
- Tony Jaa: This talented actor and martial artist hails from Surin province in Isan. He gained international fame for his incredible stunts and martial arts skills in movies such as “Ong-Bak” and “Tom Yum Goong.”
- Jaonaay: Another popular celebrity from Isan is Jaonaay, a transgender singer and social media sensation. With her unique voice and charming personality, she has won the hearts of many fans and is known for her hit songs like “Yung Mai Tong Puad” and “Yung Waa Kin Chat.”
- Panya Nirankul: A member of the boy band “Climax,” Panya Nirankul, known by his stage name Peter, is from Khon Kaen province. He rose to fame after participating in the reality show “The Star” and has since become a successful singer and actor.
- Yaya Urassaya: Yaya Urassaya Sperbund, also known as Yaya, is a Thai-Norwegian actress and model who was born in Pattaya, but her mother comes from Ubon Ratchathani province in Isan. With her stunning looks and exceptional acting skills, Yaya has become one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in Thailand.
- Burin Boonvisut: Burin Boonvisut, widely known as New, is a Thai singer and actor from Roi Et province in Isan. He gained fame as a member of the boy band “Lula” and later pursued a successful solo career. New is known for his soulful voice and romantic ballads.
These are just a few of the many famous celebrities who have roots in Isan. Whether in the entertainment industry or other fields, these individuals have made significant contributions to the Thai entertainment scene and continue to inspire the younger generation.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Isan heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Factsheet About Isan People
| Province | Population by Ethnic Group (%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Isan | Thai | Other | |
| Nakhon Ratchasima | 80 | 15 | 5 |
| Khon Kaen | 75 | 20 | 5 |
| Udon Thani | 70 | 25 | 5 |
| Nong Khai | 65 | 30 | 5 |
| Ubon Ratchathani | 90 | 5 | 5 |
References to the Isan Ethnic Group
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Isan ethnic group:
- Isan on Wikipedia: This article provides an overview of the Isan region, its culture, history, language, and more.
- Ethnic Diversity in Northeast Thailand (Isan): An article from Cultural Survival Quarterly that delves into the ethnic diversity within the Isan region of Thailand.
- The Origins and Migrations of Isan-Speaking Peoples: Evidence from Mitochondrial DNA Analysis: A research paper that investigates the genetic origins and migrations of the Isan ethnic group based on mitochondrial DNA analysis.
- Isan Music of Northeast Thailand: This Smithsonian Folkways album provides a collection of traditional Isan music, offering insights into the musical culture of the region.
- Isan: Forgotten War, Remembered Music: A doctoral dissertation that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on Isan communities and how music served as a means of remembrance and resistance.
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Isan. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
