| |
Thailand
 Country Facts
Population: 65,998,436 (2009)
Median Age: 33.3 years
GDP per capita: $8,100 (2008 est.)
Major Religion: Buddhism
Total People Groups: 112 Unreached: 74
Largest Unreached People Group: Central Thai (19.6 million)
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy
Official Language: Thai, English
Geography
Thailand is located in southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Myanmar.
People
Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. The population is mostly rural, concentrated in the rice-growing areas
of the central, northeastern, and northern regions. However, as
Thailand continues to industrialize, its urban population—31.6% of
total population, principally in the Bangkok area—is growing. Thais are often
depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky people. But they are also a
proud and strong minded people with a fierce fighting spirit.
History
The Thai are related linguistically to Thai groups originating in
southern China. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia may
have occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries. Malay, Mon, and Khmer
civilizations flourished in the region prior to the arrival of the
ethnic Thai. Thais date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. Thailand was ruled by various dynasties until the 18th century, most importantly the Aytthaya kingdom from the 14th to 18th century. Theravade Buddhism was established as the official religion in the late 19th century.
In 1932, Thailand became a constitutional monarchy, yet Thai politics was
 dominated for a half-century by a military
and bureaucratic elite. Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War until Japan's defeat in 1945. Since that time, the United States has been an ally with Thailand as they fought against communist expansion in the region, such as Vietnam and Cambodia during the Cold War. The country officially
became known as Thailand in 1949.
Thailand is a large food exporter (including sugar, maize, pineapple,
cotton and cooking oil) and the majority of the Thai labour force is
agricultural. Manufactured goods are becoming increasingly important.
In the south the main industries are fishing, tin mining, palm oil,
rubber and tourism.
Culture
There is not really a Thai word for culture, yet Thai themselves would think of traditional Thai music, dance or theatre as their culture. Including many local versions of flutes, stringed instruments and gongs, there are about 50 types of Thai musical instruments. Socially, informality and general friendliness in relationships of all age,
economic and social groups characterize the Thai culture and people. Prostitution and the sex trade is
prevalent and accepted throughout Thailand, catering primarily to
locals but also foreigners, causing great spiritual bondage.
Spiritual Climate
Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution. Theravada Buddhism is the major religion of Thailand and is the
religion of about 90% of its people. For many Thai,
their nationality and religion are inextricably linked. The land is in
bondage to a complex web of culture, spirit appeasement, occult
practices and Buddhism with social cohesiveness out of which few have
dared to come. Christians are still a small minority after centuries of
mission work. Prostitution and the sex trade is prevalent and accepted throughout Thailand, catering primarily to locals but also foreigners, causing great spiritual bondage.
The government permits religious
diversity, and other major religions are represented, with Muslim
communities scattered throughout Thailand. Spirit worship/animism and
Hindu-Brahmic rituals are widely practiced.
NMSI Involvement
NMSI first began work in Thailand partnering with national believers. Along with this partnership, NMSI also has three missionaries working in Thailand, two of whom are young women who married Lisu men and are now serving alongside their husbands church-planting, evangelizing and discipling believers among the Lisu tribe. NMSI also is involved in an agricultural ministry.
NMSI is currently involved in the following ministries:
• Evangelism and church planting among the Lisa tribe
• Work with orphans and children taken out of the sex trade
• Agricultural development as a means to evangelize and disciple
• Short term summer internships
Prayer Points
• Pray for the church-planting ministries among the Lisu, particularly the outreach to youth through conferences and Sunday school.
• For the upcoming summer internship, that the interns would make a strong impact in the Thai community.
Ministry Opportunities
Short-term: Join a Love International 2010 summer internship, half spent in Thailand.
Long-term: If you feel called to work or are currently working in a country in this region, please contact our People and Organizational Development Team to explore how NMSI might partner with you.
Thailand Photo Gallery
Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, Thailand: Land of Smiles, Campus Crusade for Christ, US Department of State, Wikipedia
NMSI missionaries serving in Thailand:
|
|
|