Making the Bible available in Thailand

by freelance photojourmalist Bruce Millar

n One of Thailand’s many ornate Buddhist temples

Famed for its beautiful beaches and ornate temples, Thailand is, however, a land of much greater significance than its ‘postcard appeal’. Known as Siam until 1939, it is a nation of deep spiritual convictions and a proud history of independence, having never been colonised by a foreign power.

n A little Thai girl

With a population of more than 61 million, where approximately 93.3 per cent are Buddhist, 4.8 per cent Muslim and only 1.7 per cent Christian, it would be easy to think that minority religions would face intense opposition, yet this could not be further from the truth – from the monarchy, which is highly revered, to the government and local communities, there is a strong respect for the right of individuals to choose their religion.

In a country such as this, it is essential that the Bible is widely available so that people can come to know and understand the claims of Jesus Christ. It is also very important that the Bible is available in people’s own languages.

The Thailand Bible Society (TBS) plays a vital role in opening the Bible to the people of Thailand and, with funding from Opportunity 21, a UBS global Scripture initiative, is working to expand this ministry. As well as continuing to work on various new products, including the Thai Study Bible and a revision of the Thai Bible, published in 1971, the TBS is also starting to develop its distribution network.

Aiming to boost its distribution of Scriptures by 400 per cent by the end of next year, the Bible Society is building distribution centres in various parts of the country and setting up more Mobile Distribution Units to travel around schools, churches and villages in cities and remote areas (see following stories). O-21 is also helping fund the development of the Bible Society’s fundraising capacity, outreach to women and the production of audio Scriptures.

Through these and other projects, the TBS hopes to make the Word of God more accessible to Christians and non-Christians across Thailand. (WR 365/25 -12.01) [PHOTOS]