Impressive historic temples, thriving street-food markets, and exciting tourist sites are just the beginning of the story in the country we want to introduce to you this month. General Baptist Ministries is excited to partner to reach God’s children in Thailand through English education. Preserving harmony in relationships is essential to the culture here. While Americans often see it as a party destination, the local culture is relatively conservative even as the cities rapidly welcome more progressive ideas. In spite of the changes, the Thai people are resilient. So much difficult history lies not far behind them. The major political upheaval over the past two decades has included massive protests and a military coup as recently as 2014. Yet they maintain the glass-half-full mentality that gave them their nickname, “Land of Smiles.”
Thailand is home to more than 61 million people without any access to the gospel. The primary religion, Buddhism, is rooted in a long history, possibly going back as far as the 5th century. Most of the remaining population is split between Islam, ethnic religions, and non-religious people. While freedom of religion is legal, Buddhism is deeply ingrained in daily life. For many, it is viewed more as a way of life than a religion. Thai Buddhism also adapts elements from animist traditions. Spirit houses resembling miniature Buddhist temples are common. They are often built near homes to appease the spirits disturbed in the building of the house.
Thailand shares religious and cultural roots with the neighboring region, but their relationship with one of their neighboring countries doesn’t reflect this unity. Both countries come from the ancient Khmer civilization. Although their languages are now distinct, they still have much in common and share a similar writing system. They also share a national mantra: “Nation, religion, king.” Ironically, this common ground seems to drive a wedge between the two countries. Conflict arises when the national desire for a unique identity is confronted with their cultural similarity. The Southeast Asian Games in 2023 brought conflict over the name of the regional kickboxing sport (Muay Thai or Kum Khmer). But the conflict is not restrained to sports semantics. Border conflicts and disputes over iconic temples have gone on for decades, and have even become violent.
Like all of humanity, Thailand needs a solution to this divisiveness. The good news is that there is hope for an end to the hate and conflict. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither [Thai] nor [Khmer]…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This is the truth that can change the world, and for eternity’s sake, the Thai people need to hear it. The 61 million unreached people in Thailand are well worth the energy of God’s people to tell them the truth of the gospel. Right now, there is an open door for Christian English teachers to bring them that news. We are honored to be a part of this work and would love to have you join us.
Reach out to Mark Powell (VP of Global Missions) to find out more.
mark.powell@generalbaptist.com
(573) 785-7746