However, some refer to themselves as simply Lao, and academics have recently been referring to them as Lao Isan or as Thai Lao, with the main issue with self-identification as Lao being stigma associated with the Lao identity within Thai society.
Totuși, unii se referă la ei simplu ca Lao, iar recent, academicienii cu referire la ei au adoptat termenul Lao Isan sau Thai Lao, problema principală a auto-identificării ca Lao fiind stigma asociarii cu identitatea Lao în cadrul societății thailandeze.