However, relentless pressure by the Chinese gradually forced them southward, and many settled along the Mekong River in the eighth or ninth century. When the Lao Kingdom was replaced by a Communist administration during World War II, many Lao fled to Burma , Thailand , and Laos. For years, Laos was the battle field for the conflicts of other nations, as well as the object of political competition between Russia, China, and Vietnam. After years of invasions, a series of bloody land wars, and possession by the French, Laos entered into good relations with its neighbors. Most of the Loa are wet-rice farmers.
Cultivation is done with wooden equipment drawn by buffalo.
Some of the farmers are also blacksmiths, carpenters, or miners. Iron and tin are exploited, as well as some gold along the Mekong River. Certain villages specialize in crafts such as pottery, or in the production of goods such as tobacco or charcoal. A number of the Lao are also fishermen. The Lao avoid living in the mountains, choosing instead to dwell in the plains.