The Lahu originally came from Tibet. They migrated first to southern China and then began migrating to Burma during the 19^th Century. Fearful of persecution by the Burmese government, many Lahu continued to migrate further southwards into Siam.

There are now Lahu people living in Myanmar, China and Laos as well as more than 73,000 in Thailand.

The Lahu is a very fractured tribe, and there are at least six distinct sub-groups; the Red, Yellow, Black, White Lahu, the Lahu Sheleh and the Lahu Haega. Of these groups, the Black Lahu makes up about 80% of the population. In Thailand, however, the majority of the population is Red Lahu.

Lahu religion has been heavily influenced by the cultures with which it has been in contact. Traditionally the Lahu worship spirits all of whom are under the authority of a supreme God called G’ui Sha. Many Lahu have also converted to Christianity.