*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Thailand (click here to view a satellite map)

Thailand, Southeast Asia

Population: 65,444,371
Christians: 1-2%
Dominant Religion: Buddhism
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: P.M. Thaksin Chinnawat
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

With Buddhism as the state religion of Thailand, Buddhist ceremonies are an integral part of every government and most public functions. The Thai king supports all religions, and past constitutions have given freedom for the Thai people to choose any religion. However, in Thailand, the Buddhist religion and world view is very much the way of life. For many Thais, their nationality and religion are closely linked and their attitude is, to be Thai is to be Buddhist.
Freedom of religion is currently guaranteed in the constitution. Despite double and triple growth of the Christian population in Thailand, Christians still formed only 1% of the population in the 1990s. However, the percentage of Christians in Thailand had risen to 1.6% by 2000. Christian missions have considerable freedom for ministry despite a quota system which somewhat restricts the number of visas for missionaries.
Of Thailand's estimated 2.5 million Muslims, 90% are Malay. Nearly all of them live in Thailand's five southernmost provinces, where there has been political tension and guerilla activity by Communists (until 1992) and also by Muslim separatists. In 2004 there was an upsurge in violence by Muslim militants in southern Thailand including the assassination and beheading of some non-Muslims in the south. This violence escalated after several Muslims died while in the custody of Thai security forces. The growth of fundamentalist, militant Islam in southern Thailand not only obstructs Christian outreach in that area but will also have a negative impact on the Christians and other non-Muslims living in that region.
Prayer Points

	Thank God for the freedom of religion which Christians generally enjoy in Thailand.
	Pray that this religious liberty will continue and increase and not be restricted in any way.
	Pray for Thai Christians who face tough social pressures because of their Christian conversion.
	Pray that God will enable them to withstand such pressure and grow in their faith.

LORD God Almighty, we ask You to bless those in Thailand who follow Jesus with the wisdom and strength of Your Spirit. May Your Church be fruitful in this time of relative freedom and learn to live and share the Good News in ways that are meaningful to their families and neighbors. Amen.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON THAILAND

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points