Pa’O People

The Pa’O (IPA: [pəo̰ lùmjóʊ],also spelt Pa-O or Paoh) are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in Burma, with a population of approximately 1,800,000 to 2,000,000. Other name of Pa-O is PaU, PhyaU, Piao, Taungthu, Taungsu, Tongsu and Kula.

The Pa’O people are the second largest ethnic group in Shan State. They also reside in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State, and Bago Division. Many of the modern day Pa’O have fled to Mae Hong Son Province, in northern Thailand, due to ongoing military conflicts in Myanmar. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman lineage, and share the language and culture of the Karen people.