According to the number of speakers, at present the Lao Isan language
is not in the endangered group. However, the writing system for the local
people - Thai Noi - is not actively used among them. Although Thai Noi still
exists, it is solely found in disparate archives of palm leaf manuscripts or on
some walls in old temples. Consequently, the youth of Lao Isan can not read,
write or understand the cultural resource. Thus, Thai Noi should be
maintained and revitalized now, before all the old people who can remember
how to use it pass away.