After my squad spends a month in China, we’ll travel south to Thailand! I’m very excited to go to Thailand, as I’ve heard amazing things about it, and a lot of Racers adore this country! I’m looking forward to meeting the people of Thailand and sharing Jesus with them. Read on to find out more about Thailand!
Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 66,720,153
Capital: Bangkok
Official Language: Thai
Official Religion: Buddhism
Possible Ministry Opportunities:
A lot of World Race teams work alongside ministries in Thailand that fight sex trafficking. The red light district in Chiang Mai is a common ministry opportunity, as well as ministries that provide jobs for former prostitutes. My team might also be in a village doing construction or teaching school or English in an effort to improve the village’s situation so the people don’t have to turn to the sex trade to survive.
Famous Landmark: The Grand Palace, LOTS of amazing beaches
Strange Foods I May Eat:
-Lots of spicy Thai curry
-Coconut and coconut milk
-Condensed milk…apparently the Thai put it on EVERYTHING
-Red ant larva
-Duck beaks
-Fried bugs
FUN FACTS:
-Thailand is the world’s number one orchid exporter
-Siamese cats are native to Thailand, and got their name from Thailand’s former name, Siam.
-The musical and the movie The King and I are banned in Thailand
-In Thailand, the head is the most important part of the body. So no one can ever touch another person, especially a child, on the head. In addition, Thais always try to keep their heads lower than the head of any person who is older or more important, to show respect.
-Feet are considered lowly because they symbolize an attachment to the ground, which is a cause for human suffering. As such, you must never sit with your feet pointing to a statue in a temple or at another person. Your feet must always be tucked under your body.
-Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation.
-Red Bull originated in Thailand
-Chopsticks are not usually present at meals. Most Thai dishes are eaten with fork and spoon, or even just fingers!
-Bangkok has the longest city name in the world. Written out: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
-Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and it’s very bad to say anything against the king, who is well-loved and respected throughout Thailand.
-Male Buddhist monks are never, ever allowed to touch a woman, and cannot even take something from a woman’s hand!
Prayer Opportunities:
-Pray for the hearts of me and my squad. Most likely we will be working with those trapped in or affected by the sex trade. This will be difficult to work in, because I know our hearts will break and we will be filled with righteous anger on behalf of these women, children, and men. Pray that our hearts would be filled with Christ’s love and strength.
-Pray for opportunities for us to present the Gospel with people
-Pray for open hearts, that the Thai people we come in contact with would be receptive to the Gospel
-Pray for my team, that we would continue to bond with each other and pursue unity
