Religion in Thailand - Christianity

Christianity

Christianity has a long history in Thailand. It was introduced by European missionaries as early as the 1550s, when Portuguese mercenaries and their chaplain arrived in Ayutthaya. Historically, it has played a significant role in the modernization of Thailand, notably in the social and educational institutions (e.g. orphanages, schools and colleges). It represents 0.7% of the national population.

Thailand's Department of Religion, currently under the Ministry of Culture, has formally recognized five major Christian churches/denominations: The Roman Catholic Church, The Southern Baptists, The Seventh-day Adventists, the Church of Christ in Thailand and the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand. Although the national budget for religious purposes has historically been designated for Buddhist structures, facilities and activities, since at least the mid 1980s it has been providing token amounts of budget for programs of Christian groups. Although not officially recognised, missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints have been active in Thailand for decades.

There are a growing group of evangelical foreign missionaries and residents who are establishing churches and prayer groups throughout Thailand. One of the largest is Youth with a Mission. Presently YWAM has over 200 full-time foreign staff and over 100 Thai staff, ministering in 20 locations. Another missionary organization, OMF International, has an outreach to place Christian teachers in the Kingdom's schools.