+23
+3
People cluster
Thai
Unreached
0.4%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Thai are the main people of Thailand, a Southeast Asian country known for its golden temples, its monks in orange robes and its cuisine. There are more than 56 million of them, and they speak Thai or languages very close to it. Almost all live in Thailand, but there are Thai communities in Laos, Malaysia, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and several countries in Europe, made up of those who went abroad to work, study or marry.
Most follow Buddhism, mixed with popular beliefs: many homes have a small spirit house out front, where offerings of food and flowers are left. Having a son become a monk, even for a short time, brings honor to the family. Respect for the king, religion and nation is very strong.
The first Protestant missionaries arrived in Thailand about two centuries ago, but Christians are still a small minority, close to 1% of the country. Many Thai see the Christian faith as a religion of foreigners. Few Thai have heard the gospel in a way they can understand, both inside Thailand and in the communities scattered around the world.
What sets the subgroups apart
Within Thailand, each region has its own way of speaking and living. Those of the central region, around Bangkok, speak standard Thai and are the ones with the most churches, though still few. In the northeast, called Isan, lives a rural people who speak a language very similar to that of Laos. Many leave their villages to work in Bangkok or abroad, and there are few Christians among them. In the north, in the Chiang Mai region, the people have their own way of speaking and their own traditions. In the south, the Southern Thai have a strong accent and live near Muslim communities.
There are also small and distinct groups. Thai Muslims follow Islam, mainly in the south of the country. The Tsun-Lao, in northern Vietnam, follow traditional religions tied to spirits and ancestors.
Where they are still unreached
28
Countries
56M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Thailand
|
97.6%
|
54.717.000 |
United States
|
0.6%
|
324.000 |
Laos
|
0.4%
|
204.600 |
Malaysia
|
0.3%
|
157.600 |
South Korea
|
0.2%
|
103.000 |
Taiwan
|
0.1%
|
83.000 |
Australia
|
0.1%
|
62.000 |
United Kingdom
|
0.1%
|
55.000 |
Singapore
|
0.1%
|
46.000 |
Norway
|
0.1%
|
40.000 |
Sweden
|
0.1%
|
33.000 |
Indonesia
|
0%
|
24.000 |
Netherlands
|
0%
|
24.000 |
Germany
|
0%
|
21.000 |
Canada
|
0%
|
20.000 |
New Zealand
|
0%
|
17.500 |
Vietnam
|
0%
|
14.000 |
China
|
0%
|
12.000 |
Denmark
|
0%
|
12.000 |
France
|
0%
|
11.000 |
Hong Kong SAR China
|
0%
|
10.000 |
Japan
|
0%
|
9.600 |
Switzerland
|
0%
|
9.000 |
Finland
|
0%
|
7.100 |
Austria
|
0%
|
6.800 |
Saudi Arabia
|
0%
|
5.800 |
Italy
|
0%
|
5.300 |
Iceland
|
0%
|
1.700 |
The 8 peoples in this cluster
+23
+3
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Thai know Jesus not as a god of foreigners, but as the Savior who loves them.
For the people of Isan in the northeast, that churches would rise up in the villages and among those who move to the cities.
For Thai people living outside the country, that they would find welcoming Christians where they live and work.
May families be set free from the fear of spirits and find peace in Christ.
For the Thai Muslims of the south, that they would have access to the gospel in a respectful way.
For the Thai churches, that they would grow, train leaders and reach every region of the country.