Malay, Pattani in Thailand

Introduction / History

The Pattani Malay are the descendants of Malaysian Muslims. Their Islamic faith has given the Pattani a distinct identity in Buddhist Thailand. They live in a place that is like a cultural ecotone between the Muslim Malay cultures to the south and the Buddhist Thai cultures to the north.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Pattani Malays are self-employed either as farmers or fishermen.

Over the years, their unique Muslim culture has led to many separatist movements against the Thai government. Because the Pattani Province is located a great distance from the center of the Thai government, the Pattani have developed a feeling of uniqueness and independence. Each time the government tries to centralize control in Pattani Province, the Pattani Malay feel like their independence is threatened. This has resulted in a resentment towards the government, sometimes leading to violent conflict.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Pattani Malay are devout Muslims.

There are churches in Thailand that can potentially reach the Pattani Malay people with church planting efforts. OneHope tries to get Scriptures to children in all parts of Thailand, including Pattani Province.

What Are Their Needs?

Islam teaches that one is saved through obeying the law. There is no room for a holy savior in Islam. Often Muslims hear negative things about Christian theology before they have a chance to hear from a follower of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for God's peace in southern Thailand.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal Christ to Pattani Malay leaders.

Pray that they will soon accept the blessings of Christ for their families.

Pray that God the Son, Jesus Christ, will come to Pattani Malay leaders in dreams.

Ask the Lord to raise up persons of peace among the Pattani Malay who will receive the gospel and pass it to many others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project