Thailand

A. Introduction

Thailand locates in Indochina and is bounded to the north by China and Myanmar, northeast by Laos and Cambodia, and south by Peninsular Malaysia. The total area of the country is 513,115 Km2. The country is shaped like an elephant’s head or a golden ax. The landscape consists of a lot of plains and not many mountainous. The average temperature of the year ranges from 24 to 39 °C. The population is approximately 60 million. The population density in Bangkok is very high (around 10 million).

Political situation: Constitutional monarchy. The present dynasty has lasted for over 200 years. The seventh monarch changed the system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. The first electoral National Assembly was established in 1932. The election is held every four years. As it has been rare for one political party to gain more than half of the votes, they had to form a coalition government. Therefore, the political situation has been unstable—Thailand has had 23 Prime ministers in the past 60 years.

Economic situation: In the '90s, Thailand became part of the Tiger Cub Economies in Asia. Rice, timber, rubber and tin are essential natural resources to Thailand. Due to the unrestricted policy adopted by the Thai government, cheap labor and abundant natural resources, lots of foreign investments have been attracted to the country. Therefore, the industry in Thailand is becoming more advanced, which allows the country to become one of the Tigers. The economy in Thailand had transformed into a brand new image because of the abundant tourism resources developed since the 1990s. However, after being struck by the Asia financial crisis in 1997, the economy in Thailand has gone worse. Wealth inequality has become a significant issue in recent years. Coups happen frequently in Thailand.

Social situation: There were few major changes in the society in the past five decades—there has been an increase in national income, reduction in poverty and enhancement in the standard of living. The monarchy, the government and Buddhist institutions have sided toward the trend in democracy, together with the people who have emerged from poverty, all contributed to the dramatic changes in Thai society. The Chinese community living in Thailand have integrated into Thai society. They intermarry Thai people and adopt local customs, culture and living style.

Cultural situation: Thai customs and culture have been greatly influenced by Indian and Buddhist cultures. To spend time as a monk has become a mandatory tradition for all Thai males. The official language is Thai but English is also widely used.

B. Religion

Hinayana (small wheel) Buddhism was brought to Thailand in 1257 and was very well accepted. The Thai kings then adopted Buddhism as the national religion and united it with the state. In the 16th century, Christianity was brought into Thailand. Islam was preached in Southern Thailand around the same time and was accepted among the Malays.

C. History of the True Jesus Church

The gospel of True Jesus Church was preached from the north Malaysia into the Chinese community (Hat Yai City) in Southern Thailand in 1957-1958. The first True

Jesus Church was established. However, not long after, True Jesus Church in Thailand disbanded for an unknown reason.

In 1983, True Jesus Church was preached into Thailand for the second time. This time, the gospel was preached in Bangkok by a deacon from Malaysia/Singapore. An elderly Thai preacher introduced him to the pastor of an independent Pentecostal church. The entire church and most of its believers accepted the truth. In the first two to three years, more than 200 people received baptism. However, because the believers widely distributed in different regions, it was not easy to pastor them. Between 1985 and 1989, the former leaders of the independent Pentecostal church abandoned the truth and some believers who had received baptism were adversely affected. On June 26, 2015, the “True Light Education Foundation” was officially founded and registered. There are nine committee members in the foundation. Bangkok church transferred its property right to the “True Light Education Foundation”. “Mae Sai Student Center” was established by “True Light Education Foundation” on November 24, 2014.

Current situation: We have 308 believers in Thailand; churches are widely distributed. There are seven regular places of worship:

1. Bangkok Church – 53 members

2. Betong Church – 4 members

3. Phrankratai Church – 77 members (410 km to the north of Bangkok)

4. Khao Kiao Prayer House – 44 members (430 km to the north of Bangkok)

5. Wang Hing Place of Worship – 3 members

6. Latyao Pang Sawan Place of Worship – 1 member

7. Maemor Church – 86 members

8. Ikai Church – 23 members

9. Chiangmai Prayer House – 15 members

10. Xian Jai Mai Prayer House – 2 members

D. Work Situation

Clothing – It is hot and humid in Thailand, so it’d be best to dress accordingly to suit the local weather. Local garments are very cheap.

Food – Thai food is known to be spicy, sour and sweet. You can find plenty of Chinese food in Chinese suburbs.

Accommodation – Because Thailand is a popular country for tourists, there are lots of hotels at various prices to choose from. The price of staying in an average hotel cost between 800 to 1,200 Baht. Staying one night in a five-star hotel can cost up to 2,000 to 3,000 Baht. Bangkok prayer house has one visitor's room which can accommodate 3-4 people. If church members would like to visit Phrankratai church, you can stay in our believers’ houses. If you would like to stay in hotels with air-conditioners, it costs around 350 Baht per night.

E. Things for Special Attention

 Disease- AIDS, hemorrhage, diarrhea and flu.

 Visa- Travelers from Association of Southeast Asian Nations and some other countries may apply for a visa upon arrival. The currency exchange rate to $1 US dollar ranges between 42-54 Baht.

 Society- Street crime and security can be a great concern in highly populated cities like Bangkok. Be aware of the thieves and robbers. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying valuables.

 Taboo- Do not carry any weapon and drug. Do not litter.