Thailand

Presbyterian work officially began in Thailand in 1840. The PC(USA) now works in this country through mission personnel and partner church relationships, primarily the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT). Membership in the CCT is still a small portion of population, but it is growing appreciably. Challenges the church faces include growing membership in many small parishes unable to hire pastors, growing interreligious unrest, a continuing HIV/AIDs problem, environmental and conservation issues, tourism and white slave trade issues, and drugs. The church’s educational, health and social ministries are widely known and appreciated. Its special ministries include an HIV/AIDS hospice ministry along with other health ministries, drug rehabilitation, education through the Tertiary Level, youth ministries and urban ministries.

Mission emphases of the CCT are evangelism, HIV/AIDS, Mekong River Valley projects, a growing interest in mission to neighboring countries, and ministry to minority groups within Thailand. In addition to its traditional support of 30 schools and eight hospitals, the CCT carries on an AIDS support program both for those who have the disease and for their families. The women’s unit provides vocational training for young women as an alternative to prostitution. A new ministry being initiated in the Klong Toey area in Bangkok seeks to reach other marginalized and underprivileged persons.

The PC(USA) also joins the Christian community in Thailand in ministries that include children’s ministries, church construction/renovation, church development/redevelopment, community development, human rights advocacy, leadership development, ministry to refugees and immigrants, new church development, peace education and reconciliation, spiritual formation, theological education and women’s work.

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, pp. 92–93

March 31
April 1

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Thailand Mission Network

• For information contact Insik Kim.

The Thailand Mission Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.