Teochew people

The ancestral homeland of the Teochew people is now known in China as Teo-Swa or Chaoshan (; Peng'im: ; ). This whole region was historically known as Teochew (; Peng'im: ; ), and this term continues to be used by the Teochew diaspora in Southeast Asia. In referring to themselves as Sinitic people, Teochew people generally use (), as opposed to (). Teochew people also commonly refer to each other as (). ==History==

The ancestors of the Teochew people moved to present-day Chaoshan as refugees from central and northern China due to various reasons. Historical texts suggest this was likely due to war and famine in the region. The Teochews, along with the Hokkien people, migrated from the Central Plains and Yellow River region, mainly from the Henan, Shaanxi and Shandong provinces. This is evident in several genetic studies, which show a strong relationship and ancestry based on common Y-chromosome patterns and higher prevalence of esophageal cancer. Han Chinese from the Taihang region of Henan are likely the ancestral population for both Fujian Han (i.e. Hokkien people) and the Chaoshan Han (i.e. the Teochew people). The Teochew were often called Fulao (Hoklo) because they came mostly passed through Fujian during migration, with some well-maintained language and customs from ancient China. As was recorded in pedigrees and ancient inscriptions, one of the two groups of those who temporarily migrated to the capital city of Fujian later moved to parts of Chaoshan instead in batches during the Tang dynasty, genetically intermixing with the local people within Chaoshan there. The Teochew people are mistakenly known to the Cantonese as "Hoklo", literally meaning "men of Fujian", although the term "Teochew" was used in the Straits Settlements in the 19th century and early 20th century. "Teochew" is derived from Teochew prefecture (Chaozhou Fu) the departmental city where they originate. Teochew immigration to Singapore , Johor, Malaysia. The writings of Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar indicate that the British found Temenggong Abdul Rahman with 400 to 500 residents in Singapore in January 1819. Another member of the 1819 expedition party, Captain John Crawford, recalled in his diary an encounter with "upwards of 100" of Chinese. British colonial documentations revealed that Temenggong Abdul Rahman had provided these Chinese who were Teochews the cost and expenses of opening gambier plantations at Mount Stamford (now Pearl's Hill) prior to British arrival. He had also "in some instances" advanced money to the Teochew cultivators on the understanding he would be repaid in the form of gambier or other produce. Farquhar had the impressions that the Temenggong's interests in these plantations were represented by a brother-in-law of his named Baba Ketchil and the first Captain China of Singapore, a Teochew merchant named Tan Heng Kim (陈亨钦), was "one of the principal persons concerned". Based on Teochew oral traditions in Singapore published by Phua Chye Long (潘醒农) in Teo-chews in Malaya (马来亚潮侨通鉴) in 1950, the first Teochews in Singapore were led by Tan Heng Kim, who was from Siam, and a second merchant named Heng Hong Sung (王丰顺) from Ampou town in Chaozhou, China. Together, they founded the Yueh Hai Ching Temple on the south bank of the Singapore River. From the 19th century, significant numbers of Teochew people left their homeland for Singapore and a new life. Early Teochew settlers could trace their origins to eight counties/prefectures (潮州八邑): Chao'an, Chenghai, Chaoyang, Jieyang, Raoping, Puning, Huilai and Nan'ao. In addition to these new immigrants from the port of Swatow (Shantou), Teochew immigrants from Siam and the Riau Islands also began settling in Singapore after 1819. Today, Teochew language is the second-most spoken Sinitic language in Singapore. Their cultural impact on Thailand has been profound. Teochew culinary traditions helped shape Thai cuisine, especially street food, while Teochew words entered everyday Thai vocabulary. For example, the Thai word for soy sauce, sii‑íu (ซีอิ๊ว), is directly derived from Teochew. Its pronunciation closely matches si⁷ iu⁵ (豉油) in the Teochew dialect. Over generations, the community has largely assimilated into Thai society, yet many families continue to maintain aspects of their heritage. The Teochew dialect remains widely used in business networks and community life. Today, the Teochew‑Thai population stands as a cornerstone of Thailand’s social and economic landscape, contributing significantly to commerce, culture, and the country’s modern identity. Teochew in Taiwan Most of the Teochew descendants in Taiwan have already been "hokkienized" ("hoklonized"). They speak the Taiwanese Hokkien language instead of Teochew, but some Teochew are still in Chaozhou township, in Pingtung County. A 1926 Japanese census found that 134,800 people in Taiwan were of Teochew ancestry. == Diaspora ==

While the Chinese diaspora as a whole is known for its relative success and economically dominant position in SE Asia – so that tycoons and successful businesspeople can be found from all dialect groups, the Teochew, in particular, have acquired a special reputation for their commercial acumen and often have the highest socioeconomic status amongst the Chinese diaspora, especially in Thailand. Their role as rice merchants enabled them to later develop the capital needed to become the nations' bankers. ==Culture==

Throughout a history of over 1000 years, the region of Chaoshan, known in ancient times as Teochew Prefecture, has developed and cultivated a prestigious culture, which manifests its unique characteristics in language, opera, traditional dress, cuisine, tea practice, music, and embroidery. The Teochew language (; Teochew pronunciation: Diê5 ziu1 uê7) is a series of dialect varieties spoken across the geographical area which was formerly administered by Teochew Prefecture (or Chaozhou Fu, 潮州府) from the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty (1369) to the end of the Qing dynasty. It is spoken by roughly 10 million people in Chaoshan and more than five million outside the Chinese mainland. Teochew Cuisine is known for its unique cooking method, distinctive sauces, seafood dishes, and stews. Teochew opera () is a traditional art form, which has a history of more than 400 years and is now enjoyed by 20 million Teochew people in over 40 countries and regions. Based on local folk dances and ballads, Teochew opera has formed its own style under the influence of Nanxi Opera. Nanxi is one of the oldest Chinese operas and originated in the Song dynasty. The old form of choral accompaniment still preserves its distinctive features. Teochew Clowns (潮丑) and females are the most distinctive characters in Teochew opera, and fan play and acrobatic skills are prominent. Teochew music () is popular in Chaoshan's teahouse scene. The Teochew string instrument, gong, drum, and traditional Chinese flute are typically involved in ensembles. The current Chaozhou drum music is said to be similar to the Drum and Wind Music form of the Han and Tang dynasties. Teochew woodcarving () is a form of Chinese woodcarving originating from Chaoshan. Featuring exquisite, sophisticated, precise and lifelike carvings, Teochew woodcarving is one of the oldest and lively woodcarving art in China. Teochew people used a great deal of Teochew wood carving in their buildings, especially the Teochew gold-leaf gilded carving (金漆木雕). Yingge dance () is a form of Chinese folk dance which started in the Qing dynasty. With a history of more than 300 years, it is regarded as one of the most representative forms folk arts in Teochew culture. Although few movies or television dramas have been made about the Teochew people, one such notable drama is the Singaporean 1995 drama series The Teochew Family. In 2019, Netflix released the documentary series Flavorful Origins, which focused on Teochew cuisine. ==Notable Teochew people==

Royalty • King Taksin of the Thonburi Kingdom Politicians Leaders • Pridi Banomyong, 7th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1946 • Thawan Thamrongnawasawat, 8th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1946–1947 • Thanin Kraivichien, 14th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1976–1977 • Kriangsak Chamanan, 15th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1977–1980 • Chatichai Choonhavan, 17th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1988–1991. • Suchinda Kraprayoon, 19th Prime Minister of Thailand; 1992 • Banharn Silpa-archa, 21st Prime Minister of Thailand; 1995–1996 • Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, 22nd Prime Minister of Thailand; 1996–1997 Cabinet ministry • Bhichai Rattakul, President of the National Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. • Chumpol Silpa-archa, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Minister of Education. • Kalaya Sophonpanich, Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand. • Korn Dabbaransi, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Minister of Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Public Health, Minister of Industry. • Bhichit Rattakul, Governor of Bangkok. • Alice Wong, Minister of Business, Minister of Seniors of Canada. • Lim Boon Heng, former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Minister without portfolio. • Lim Swee Say, former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Minister for Manpower, Minister for the Environment of Singapore. • Low Thia Khiang, former Singapore Member-of-Parliament and Workers' Party secretary-general. • Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister of Singapore, Coordinating Minister for National Security. • Tan Soo Khoon, former Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. • Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand. • Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister for Environment, Manpower, Trade and Industry of Singapore. Others • Kraisak Choonhavan, member of Thailand parliament. • Gladys Liu, Member of Parliament for Chisholm, Australia. Businesspeople and entrepreneurs • Li Ka-shing, founder of Cheung Kong Holdings. • Chau Chak-Wing, founder of Kingold Group. • Chin Sophonpanich, founded Bangkok Bank and Bangkok Insurance. • Vincent Lo, founder and chairman of Shui On Group. • Lim Por-yen, founded the Lai Sun Group. • Goh Cheng Liang, billionaire businessman, founded Wuthelam Holdings, which manufactures paint and coatings. • Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, billionaire, founder of Thai Beverage, and the chairman of conglomerates TCC Group and Fraser and Neave. • Krit Ratanarak, chairman of Bangkok Broadcasting & Television Company. • Joseph Lau, founder, chairman, and CEO of Chinese Estates Group. • Thomas Lau, CEO of Lifestyle International Holdings which operates Hong Kong's largest department, Sogo Hong Kong. • Trương Mỹ Lan, billionaire businesswoman and real estate developer in Vietnam, convicted for corruption in 2024. • Peter Lam, billionaire and chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. • Chartsiri Sophonpanich, president of Bangkok Bank. • Ma Huateng, one of the top ten richest men in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$55.3 billion. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Tencent. • Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO and president of ThaiBev. Actors and singers • Chen Shucheng, actor and host. • Tan Kheng Hua, actress • Canti Lau, actor and singer. • Zoe Tay, actress and former model. • Chen Hanwei, actor. • Joe Ma, actor. • Ada Choi, actress. • James Ma, actor and model from Thailand. • Lucas Wong, rapper, singer, and model. • Jessica Henwick, actress, director and writer. • Ellen Wong, actress. • Aunty Ru, singer. • Anna Hiscox (Quach), cookbook author and dog trainer. • David Sun, French comedian ==See also==

• Gia Lim Tan, "Origins," An Introduction to the Culture and History of the Teochews in Singapore," World Scientific, 2018. ==External links==