A majority of them are ethnic religionists , practicing a mixture of spirit worship and Buddhism. The others are Theravada Buddhists. Those who are traditional animists believe that good and evil spirits inhabit non-living objects. Their beliefs have been partly influenced by Hinduism, where spirits known as tewatao are associated with trees and fields. Other spirits, such as ancestral spirits, spirits that cause illness, and spirits that have magical influence, are called kalok .
Buddhist monks act as mediators between villagers and the spirits.
Witches often cause illnesses or spirit possession. The doctor then seeks to exorcise the spirits by reciting chants. There are currently two missions agencies working among the Talaing of Thailand. Additional Christian laborers and evangelistic materials are needed to reach these people with the Light of the Gospel. Prayer Points Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into Thailand to minister to the Talaing.