Lavo, modern day Lopburi, was founded (it began) in the 6^th century. It became an important city-state (or possibly kingdom) and was a part of the Dvaravati kingdom until the 11^th century when it was conquered by the Khmers. The architecture, culture, and social structure of Lavo was greatly influenced by the Khmer Empire during that time.

Most people living in Lavo were Mon, even after the Khmers took over. There were also some Tai people living there by the 11^th century. Mon, therefore, was the primary language spoken among common people, while Tai was spoken by the small Thai population living there. Khmer would have been spoken for political purposes, since Khmer people controlled the government. Pali and Sanskrit were used for religious purposes.