Thai in New Zealand
Photo Source:
Deepak Meena - Pixabay
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| People Name: | Thai |
| Country: | New Zealand |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 8,400 |
| World Population: | 24,271,000 |
| Primary Language: | Thai |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 3.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.80 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Thai |
| Affinity Bloc: | Southeast Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Centuries ago the Central Thai people lived north of Yangtzekiang 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 what is now 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 Central Thai speak Thai, the official language of Thailand. There is a small diaspora of Thai people who have migrated to other countries, including New Zealand. Almost all the Thai people in New Zealand are in the city of Wellington.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They have their own Buddhist temple in Karori. There are some Christians among them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Theravada Buddhism was introduced in Thailand in 329 B.C. Almost all of the Thai are devout followers of Gautama Buddha 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.
What Are Their Needs?
The Thai people in Norway need the hope that is in being part of the body of Christ. As it stands, they are not putting their hope in the One who is the solid rock.
Prayer Points
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Central Thai people in New Zealand. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Central Thai people in New Zealand teachable and understanding hearts. Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Central Thai families into a rich experience of God's blessing. Pray for workers to go to the Thai people in New Zealand.