Thailand 2
February 28th

“On the day I cleanse Thailand from all their sins!”
“‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt.’” (Ezekiel 36:33,NIV).

》 Country Profile

Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 70 million
Area |  513,120㎢ Located in the central part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
Capital City | Bangkok (10.9 million people)
People Groups | Total 114 groups (Thai 81%, Chinese 10.8%, Malay 6.1%, Burmese 1.2%)
People Groups Unreached | 77 groups (88.2% of the population)
Official Language(s) |  Thai
Total Languages | 92
Bible Translations | Completed 37, New Testament 18, Partial 15
Religion | Christianity 1.3% (Protestant 0.45%), Buddhism 88.7%, Islam 4.5%, Ethnic religion 3%, Non- religious 2.1% Evangelical 0.65 % (450,000 people)

》 About Thailand

Thailand, formerly known as Siam until 1939, is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by European powers. In 1932, a bloodless revolution established a constitutional monarchy, and since then, Thailand has adopted a parliamentary system where the prime minister leads the government while the king holds a ceremonial role. However, the military has remained influential, staging coups and influencing politics over the years. There was a military coup in 2006, ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, followed by political unrest with large-scale protests in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Thailand officially follows the principle of separation of powers, with the prime minister serving as the head of the government, elected by the Senate. In August 2023, Srettha Thavisin was appointed as the nation’s new prime minister.

The Thai economy is mainly based on services, light industries, and agriculture. With well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise system, and investment-friendly policies, exports account for about two-thirds of the country’s GDP. Major exports include electronics, agricultural products, automotive parts, and processed foods. The tourism industry has also been a consistent contributor to economic growth, even during crises. Over the decades, poverty has significantly declined, with stable inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable levels of public and external debt. However, in the long run, high household debt, political instability, and an aging population pose risks to sustained growth. Thailand’s heavy reliance on exports and tourism made the country vulnerable to the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with restrictions on foreign tourists.  Thailand’s GDP per capita is approximately $17,300

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Thailand guarantees religious freedom, but the state religion is Buddhism, with about 95% of the population being Buddhists. Since Buddhism influences much of Thai culture, one unique aspect      is that every Thai male is expected to become a monk at least once in his life. This is seen as a way to accumulate merit (good deeds). They believe that becoming a monk is the highest merit, benefiting not only the individual but also their parents.
Let us pray that the gospel will reach these people, helping them realize that it is not through their own efforts or merit that they find forgiveness but through faith in Jesus Christ. New believers who convert from Buddhism often experience spiritual confusion due to the clash between their new faith and traditional Buddhist practices. Pray for missionaries and pastors to live as witnesses of Jesus Christ and for Thai Christians to be led by leaders who help them obey the truth of God’s Word. Let us pray that the churches in Thailand will grow and fill the once spiritually desolate areas with God’s people.

2. Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis for medical purposes in 2018. In June 2022, the government removed cannabis from the list of illegal drugs and even allowed home cultivation, promoting it as a way to boost the economy, especially in industries like healthcare. However, there has been a surge in recreational use, particularly in tourist and entertainment areas, causing ongoing debate as related laws have yet to be finalized.
Let us pray that the Thai government recognizes the consequences of legalizing cannabis for economic gain. Pray that they turn to God’s Word, which will cleanse them from sin, and that the light of truth will shine in Thailand. May the people turn away from foolish and evil acts, seeking not to satisfy themselves with fleeting pleasures, but instead recognizing sin for what it is, and seeking true wisdom through God.

3. Thailand, known as “Prathet Thai”, or the “Land of the Free”, is very open regarding LGBTQ+ issues. About 3-5% of the population is either transgender or cross-dressing, and Thailand has become a “paradise” for sex reassignment surgeries, with 2-3 surgeries happening daily. Since 1987, the number of HIV/AIDS infections has rapidly increased, with over 450,000 people currently living with the disease. According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the rise in infections is linked to the high number of prostitutes and homosexual activity.
Let us pray that God will break the lies of Satan, which mislead people to believe that living in sexual immorality is a form of freedom. Pray that Thailand, devastated by the consequences of sin, will turn to the gospel of the cross, and begin to fear God once again.

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