A truly indigenous expression of Thai Christianity must be developed. In a recent survey of Thai non-Christians, 89% said the Christian message was unintelligible. The gospel has never adequately shed its Western trappings and become contextualized, which is vital for it to do in a Buddhist culture with deeply divergent worldviews. Pray for Thai music, hymnody, art forms, worship patterns, architecture, and styles of leadership, Bible study and witness to be encouraged and developed under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This will not only make church more relevant to non-Christians, but it will also give believers new spiritual insight and grounding.

Students are responsive to the gospel, but they also demonstrate openness to many harmful influences. YFC, TCS(IFES), Cru and an indigenous movement called Yuwakrit see conversions and growth of groups on campuses. Evangelism and camps/retreats often receive enthusiastic spiritual response, but the large majority of the 1.3 million students remain unevangelized. Backsliding is a prominent challenge. Christian hostels for students, run by six agencies, prove valuable for discipling students.

Refugees. Thailand has long served as a haven for those fleeing upheaval in neighbouring countries. The most notable and needy are the 1.2 million refugees from Myanmar. Many are from persecuted minorities such as the Karen, Chin and Shan. Most are present illegally. These refugees face harsh exploitation, from dangerous manual labour to sex slavery. Pray for groups to reach out with compassionate, holistic ministry to these desperate peoples.

Of the 5.3 million Muslims, almost 80% are Malay speakers residing in the south. There are also Thai-speaking Muslims in most Thai provinces and 600,000 in Bangkok alone. Since 2004, the three provinces bordering Malaysia have experienced political tension, unrest and almost daily killings linked to Muslim insurgency. This is the only major Muslim population in Southeast Asia open for evangelism, yet after years of hard work, there are only a few small indigenous worshipping communities of former Muslims. The radicalization of Islam is affecting Thai Muslims and complicating outreach, and many seekers are held back by community pressures. Pray for local believers and for different agencies involved in outreach to Muslims in Thailand. Pray also for the Jawi Malay NT and Scripture portions and for a new BCC in Thai and Malay, all developed for Thai Muslims.

The tribal peoples, largely marginalized, are responding in significant numbers. This follows years of hard work by Baptists and WEC among the Karen, and by OMF among eight tribes in the north. The younger work of NTM in 12 tribes around the country is seeing results in tribal churches planted. Many workers are needed to win and disciple tribal peoples.

Christian radio remains very effective. Many Thai stations daily air Christian programmes. FEBC, Full Gospel Radio (The Way) and The Voice of Peace Studio prepare a wide range of programmes. Response is gratifying – from both Buddhists and Muslims – from FEBC programmes broadcast over 27 different Thai stations.