The Lua has had a good relationship with Lanna people since the reign of King Mang Rai. Due to chronic droughts, the ethnic group migrated from highland to lowland areas. Consequently, their traditional slash-and-burn farming practice in mountains was abandoned and they then relied on wet-rice cultivation. Earthenwork and wicker work were produced to generate supplementary income. The ethnic food was similar to that of Lanna people with fermented soybeans as a household dish. Religiously, the ethnic group mixed Buddhism with their original animistic practice. Linguistically, the ethnic language was used among themselves and the nothern Thai dialect was used as a lingua franca. Young generations became proficient in Standard Thai due to formal education. Additionally, Lanna traditions and culture have been assimilated with the traditional ethnic culture. For instance, birth and death-related rituals have changed.