Malay, Kedah in Thailand

Introduction / History

Kedah Malay speakers were among the first Malays to live in this part of the world. Historically, the Kedah Malay people had good relations with Arab traders. There were many interracial marriages between the two. For that reason, the Kedah Malay dialect has a lot of Arabic words.

Where Are they Located?

Kedah Malay speakers live in a cultural ecotone where Buddhist Thai cultures and the Muslim Malay cultures merge. In Thailand they live mainly in Satn Province, and in Malaysia they live in the three northern states of Perlis, Kedah, and Pulau Pinang. There are a number of Malay languages spoken in this part of the world.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kedah people have the same customs as other Malay peoples. However, their dialect is pronounced differently and they have some Thai words blended in.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like other Malay speaking peoples, the Kedah are Sunni Muslims. They try to follow the teachings of their imams, but they also adhere to animistic beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

As Muslims, the Kedah Malay people need to understand that Jesus Christ offers far more than they can ever have by attempting to obey the laws set out on the Koran.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to send dreams and visions to Keday Malay leaders which will lead to their people seeking and finding Jesus Christ.
Pray for spiritual openness among the Kedah Malay people.
Pray for a triumphant Kedah Malay church defined by discipleship and obedience to the ways of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Keith Carey