Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand has never been colonised by a foreign power and has never been controlled by external forces for periods long enough to impact on this country’s strong self identity. Buddhism entered the region in possibly the 3rd or 2nd century BC.

The first true Thai kingdom is said to date from 1238 when the Sukhothai kingdom was established. In 1932 a constitutional monarchy was introduced and over the years this has been subjected to a number of military coup attempts. The current monarch is His Majesty Bhumibol Aduyade.

Thailand is roughly the size of France in area and it stretches 1,860 km from north to south. The population of Thailand is 62 million people. Thailand’s culture and tradition is derived form a strong attachment to the monarchy and Buddhism.

Christianity was introduced by Roman Catholics in 16th and 17th century while Protestant missionaries arrived during the early nineteenth century. American Presbyterians dominated this activity with a principal focus on Chiang Mai in the north. The Church of Christ in Siam was established in 1934 after the Presbyterians and some Baptists united. After World War Two, the Disciples of Christ joined the union. Now called the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), this denomination has membership of 110,000 people across 19 presbyteries.

The Uniting Church in Australia shares in a partnership with the CCT and we currently have personnel serving with our partner in Bangkok and in the far north. Rev Scott and Rachael Litchfield together with their two sons, Tennyson and Elliot, are based in Bangkok while Jeff and Jan Hudson are teaching English in a volunteer program in Chaing Rai.

A region that is particularly well known to Australians is the coastline well south of Bangkok. Known as the “Andaman Coast”, Thailand’s southwest coast borders the Indian Ocean and the sea named after the nearby Andaman Islands. There are many small islands here with a magnificent marine life. Meanwhile the coast line is spectacular. Long sandy beaches and rugged outcrops with caves that once were the abode of sea pirates characterise the region. The Andaman Coast was also the setting of Alex Garland’s novel “The Beach” and subsequent film with the same name.

This region is home to a significant Muslim community (30-35% of the population of predominantly Buddhist people). Apart from the presence of Southern Thai communities there are also Chinese and Portuguese influences. A minority indigenous community includes the “Chao Lay” people.

The “Chao Lay” people live on small islands and along the Andaman Coast. They are known as “sea gypsies” because they move up and down the coast in small boats taking refuge in small huts near the sea. Tourism has impacted on these and other people as large scale resort development takes place. Eco-tourism associated with a number of national parks in the region is also a major developing industry.

Phuket is by far the most well known location in this region. Called the “pearl of the south” by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and also its wealthiest province. Before Phuket became a tourist playground, it was an important center for trade in tin and rubber for Arab, Indian, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese traders.

The Andaman Coast was hit by tsunami on 26th December and official reports indicate that a total of 5,246 people subsequently died. This includes 2,420 Thai nationals, 2,464 foreigners and 362 people whose nationality could not be established. There are 8,457 people with injuries and 4,499 people missing. These numbers are conservative with some estimates suggesting the Thai death toll will increase to 10,000 or more. The confirmed Australian death toll was 16 people on 6th January.

The CCT has sent relief teams into the area. While high profile tourist areas have received some attention, there is concern about isolated island communities along the coast including the “Chao Lay” people. The CTT reports that many of these communities have been wiped. Thousands fishing boats are still lost at sea.

The 9th District (Presbytery) of the CTT is located in Nakon Sri Thamarat and the 17th District is located in Trang. These presbyteries, together with volunteers from the north, are involved in relief work among the “Chao Lay” people. The CTT immediately released $US.5,000 to assist in this relief and the Uniting Church in Australia, through Uniting Overseas Aid, has released an initial $5,000 to support relief work being carried out by the CCT (provision of food, clothing, medicines and shelter).

The Andaman Coast of Thailand depends greatly on the sea (fishing) and the tourist industry. There are now grave fears concerning the future as the disaster will have a major impact on the fragile economy. Scott and Rachael Litchfield are involved in ministry with itinerant workers and slum dwellers in Bangkok. They fear this disaster will place greater pressure on local families leading to an escalation of homelessness and poverty throughout the nation.