Since the information at hand is not yet enough for systematic categorization by ethnic characteristics, ethnic groups in the database are classified by their names instead. As mentioned previously, the working team has made a decision to use the ethnic self-identified names as for these following reasons.

   Firstly, those names identified by others are likely to suggest an insulting implication making the ethnic members prefer their self-identified names. A privilege to identify oneself is regarded as fundamental rights of all human beings.

    Secondly, using self-identified names attributes to a more precision in the identification of ethnic groups regarding their ethnic origins, ethnic cultural identities and areas of habitation whereas names identified by others are relatively ambiguous. For example, the term “Lua” refers to some ethnic groups with different ethnic identities, histories and cultures. That is, “Lavu’a” “Lua” and “Plang” are all broadly labeled as “Lua”.

   Since self-identified names of ethnic groups are not well-known, the table comparing the names, self-identified and identified by others, is designed to facilitate the searching. Moreover, the project provides some information of the ethnic language families according to the language family classification by Prof. Dr. Suwilai Premsrirat (2006) in order to point out the relationship between ethnic groups in the linguistic aspect.

   Initially, the table lists only the names of ethnic groups in Thailand as there are very few summarized records of the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

   However, users should realize that the names of ethnic groups and the ethnic classification are subject to change. In fact, they are characterized by dynamics in accordance with historical, social, and political contexts as well as intentions and the purposes of the classification. Also it should be noted that members of each ethnic groups may identify themselves differently. For instance, the senior generation of the “Lao Song” does not have problems calling themselves “Lao Song” whereas the younger generations are more satisfied when identified as “Thai Song” (Chavivan Prachuabmoh and Waranun Worawit 2000). Therefore, it is possible that it will be changing in the future.