1.0 INTRODUCTION
The origins of Thailand are traditionally associated with a short-lived kingdom, the Sukhothai Kingdom which was founded in 1238. This kingdom was later continued by the Ayutthaya Kingdom which was founded in the mid-14th century and was larger in size than Sukhothai. Thai culture is strongly influenced by China and India. Relations with several major European countries began in the 16th century but despite strong pressure, Thailand remained the only country in Southeast Asia never colonized by a European state, although Western influence, including the threat of violence, led to various changes in 19th century and gave a lot of leeway to British merchants.
A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to the
beginning of a constitutional monarchy. Formerly known as Siam, the country
changed its name to Thailand in 1939 and beyond, having once changed back to its
old post-World War II name. In the war, Thailand allied with Japan; but when
World War II ended, Thailand became an ally of the United States. Several coups
took place in the years after the war, but Thailand began moving toward
democracy since the 1980s.
“Although most Thais are Buddhists, their religion and worldview are heavily influenced by their animistic beliefs. Animism is the belief that objects, places, and beings all have different spiritual essences. Understanding the animistic worldview of our Thai friends is probably one of the most difficult parts of our language and cultural experience. Based on our western worldview, it is hard to imagine that our friends would believe that spirits (or many spirits) can control an area of land, and affect what can happen on this land.
In the city of Chiang Rai about 20 years ago a construction company built a beautiful housing estate on a prime piece of land in the city. The houses are large with beautiful courtyards and the community has many facilities such as swimming pools. It is a place to live but can only be afforded by those who have a lot of money.
Once several houses were built, and the community thrived, a series of tragic events took place involving two young people drowning in a community pool. After this happened people started investigating and asking questions to the building company. They found out that the company did not perform any rituals to ask permission from the spirit of the land before they started building.
The news got the news that the spirits living there were not happy and that is why this tragic event took place. To this day the community is derelict and empty. While driving on the streets it looks like a ghost town. Houses were piled up, weeds overgrown most of the signboards, and fences. It looks like a horror movie set.
Pray with Liz and Glenn that God will give
them wisdom in how to share the hope of Jesus in a way that makes sense to
their Thai Ethnic friends. Pray that the Spirit of God will open hearts to
receive the good news about Jesus despite cultural and religious barriers.