Thailand
Spiritual State
In many parts of Thailand there are millions of people who do not have a church in their village or town. Many Thai have never had the chance to hear the Gospel and do not have the chance to meet a Christian. When we first arrived in Thailand we immediately felt the atmosphere of spiritual oppression. As we ventured out and met more people we were impressed with their kindness and hospitality, but underneath their friendly smiles there was a sad undercurrent of bondage, lostness, and fear. They are truly lovely people caught up in a religious system that has a beautiful exterior, but is full of hopelessness and the impossible task of self-dependency in merit making to earn one’s way to Nirvana. Thai Buddhism is steeped in animistic spirit worship based in ancient folk Thai beliefs.
The Thai people are for the most part proud Buddhist people who associate Buddhism with their national identity. This nationalistic Buddhism, a karmic worldview, and intense social pressure make for a formidable task to see the Gospel advance. Out of the 69 million people that live in Thailand, about 1% are followers of Jesus.
But God is not stopped by these barriers, and Thai people are coming to know Christ more than any other time in Thailand’s history. Christianity is growing at 3.6% a year and the church is doubling every 12 years on the average. This is even faster than the world average. As the pillars of society, such as government, religion, economics, and education, become more uncertain and unfulfilling, Thai people are more open to Jesus and becoming His followers.
The Holy Spirit is moving in Thailand. There are different movements of God happening around the country of Thailand and people are coming to Christ more than ever.
The green color is where the most believers are living in Thailand.
Flowers are offered to the buddha for a successful life. This is a local folk Buddhist practice in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Holy Spirit is moving in Thailand. There are different movements of God happening around the country of Thailand and people are coming to Christ more than ever.
BUDDHISM
CULTURE
Thailand is called ‘the Land of Smiles’. It is known for its hospitality and ability to make one feel welcome and taken care of. Rice is a central part of the culture and economy. In the Thai language to say, let's eat, one says Let's eat rice. Much of central Thailand is covered in rice fields and plantations. All over Thailand one will see ornate temples through out the county side and large cities alike. There are over 72 different language spoken in Thailand making it a very diverse country full of many different people groups and sub-cultures. But, the over arching stabilizing factor is its traditions in Buddhism and ancient Thai practices. At the same time Thai people have embraced many contemporary practices and values. Progressive ideas coming to Thai society as it has become more globalized makes for a society that is changing fast. But on other levels Thailand has a consistent value system and deep roots in a karmic worldview of Buddhism. Thailand uses a democratic system of government with a very influential monarchy in place.
When one thinks of Thailand beaches and tourism come to mind. The issues of abuse and human trafficking also come to mind. But, in reality Thailand is a fairly conservative society that works hard at respecting others and living in harmony with each other. They are mostly a shame and honor society that lives under the rule of saving face. This means they work hard at giving people face by compliment and respect. Or if you are not liked, taking face by pointing out errors and talking about a person in negative ways. Body language is a part of this also in the Thai culture. How one holds themselves when interacting with others is important. The Wai is something the Thai use to greet each other. It is a lifting of the hands and bringing them together when greeting people. This is a way to give honor for different kinds of people. It is said there are many different kinds of smiles in Thailand. Many times people will be smiling in situations one does not usually smile. It is a way to show self control.
Status is very important in Thai society. How old you are, how much money you have or your position can determine your status. The way one sits, acts and talks can be connected to status. Because of this it is not uncommon for a Thai to ask questions about these things to try and figure out your status so they know how to treat you. This can be a challenge for people from the west and something to adjust too.
Thais have strong family ties and honor their family members. Thai people have special honorific words for greeting and treating people according to their status. The royalty being the most honored. The royalty even has their own special language to use when talking to a royal subject. This structure of honor and authority is important to Thai people and they value it.
Thai society is more of a collective type society. Peer pressure of family and close friends can overrule societal rules at times. Thai people have a very high value on unity and harmony, even taking the blame for others at times to protect family or others in close social groups.
In 1939 Thailand changed their name from Siam to Thailand. meaning “the land of the free.” This was a time of transition from a ruling monarchy to a democratic model of government. As Thailand progressed in new ideas of freedom, the Thai people embraced this idea. It formed a strong national identity and most Thai people feel that there should be freedom of religion and opportunity to have freedom to give personal expression in ideas and thoughts about government and other issues in society.
One of many tribes in Thailand. Pin is a good friend and this was her wedding day. She wore a traditional Mong outfit.
Many Thai families have multi generations living in one household. In many rural areas grandparents end up raising their grandkids because their children leave to find work in the cities.
Thai people show respect by doing the wai to each other. The way one wai's another shows their status and place in society.
One of many tribes in Thailand. Pin is a good friend and this was her wedding day. She wore a traditional Mong outfit.