Introduction / History

Centuries ago, the Thai lived north of the Yangtze River in China. Relentless pressure by the Chinese gradually forced them southward. They conquered many peoples and cultures as they sought a new homeland, and by the 10th century they had settled in Central Thailand. A bloodless revolution in 1932, led by Westernized intellectuals, instituted a democratic constitutional monarchy. However, the country has suffered numerous governmental upheavals since then. Today, Buddhism is the central and unifying force in Thai society and even maintains social control.

The Thai diaspora is relatively small, with members residing in several countries, including Saudi Arabia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Thai food is popular in Saudi Arabia, and Thai families have opened Thai restaurants there.

The Thai are unusually polite, respectful, and hospitable people. Their children are brought up to respect those of a higher rank, with additional emphasis on independence and self-reliance. The Thai seldom use physical punishment to discipline children.

Age is highly respected in Thai society. Type of occupation, wealth, and place and type of residence follow age in terms of respect and rank. Families are the core of Thai society. A young married couple may live with the bride's family until they can establish their own home.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Theravada Buddhism was introduced in Thailand in 329 B.C. Almost all Thais are devout followers of Buddha ("the enlightened one") and seek to eliminate suffering and improve their future by gaining merit in pursuit of perfect peace, or nirvana. They believe that merit can be acquired through feeding monks, donating to temples, and attending worship services.

Traditionally, young men enter a Buddhist monastery for three months to study Buddhism. The Thai also attempt to incorporate their Buddhist beliefs with folk animism, a practice in which they seek help through the worship of spirits and objects.

What Are Their Needs?

The Thai in Saudi Arabia probably feel lonely. They are devout Buddhists in a devoutly Muslim country. Most likely, they socialize among themselves and with other Asians.

Prayer Items

Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Thai towards the ways of Christ.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches that will plant more churches.
Pray for Asian Christians in Saudi Arabia to reach out to the Thai for Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Thai in Saudi Arabia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_people#:~:text=Thai%20people%20(also%20known%20as%20Siamese%20people%20and%20by%20various
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/thailand-customs-beliefs-and-culture.html
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/766607/best-thai-foods-and-restaurants-in-riyadh