The lifestyle of the Yao in Thailand has socially and culturally been influenced by Chinese culture long before they migrated into Thailand. Current practices in their daily life regarding family names or division of kinship are dictated by different beliefs of each group. Chronicles of days, month and years, which are related to important festivals and rituals, were derived from the Chinese lunar calendar. The exploitation of medicinal herbs, farming systems and labor management has changed with times. Cultural transmission and the creation of musical instruments for rituals have been passed down from generation to generation. These cultural elements have become their ethnic identity derived from the assimilation between the Chinese and ethnic cultures until they have become part of the Yao lifestyle at present.