Thailand Church History

Asia Thailand

The Buddhist roots in Thailand can be traced to migrations from southern China in the 8th and 9th centuries. Local animist religions were largely eliminated by the strong Buddhist kings. Resistance to Muslim influences were successful in all but the southern Malay areas. With no colonies from western powers in Thailand, missionary influence in Thailand was minimal. Chinese immigrants to the area retained their traditional Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist and Christian religions. Indian immigrants also brought their Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions with them.

Religious affiliation in Thailand consists of 95% Theravada Buddhists, 4% Muslims, and 1% other religions including Taoists, Christians, Hindus and others.