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Muslim population 2.48 Billion
Origins of Islam in Thailand

Origins of Islam in Thailand

      

             

 

Historical evidence shows that Thailand established close ties with Muslim Nations as early as the beginning of the Sukhothai period, whereby the first stone inscription of King Ramkamhaeng depicted the word “pasarn” – meaning a dry market.  It was believed that this word originated from the Persian vocabulary as "Ba-Za-r. " The appearance of the Persian vocabulary shows a connection with the Muslim World. 

Trading route between West and East Asia in the Sukhothai period enabled Muslims from other countries to travel to Thailand, bringing along their teachings, cultures and lifestyles.  Merchants from Arabia, India and Persia sailed from afar to trade with Thais.  Products from Sukhothai, such as Sangkalok ceramic were also found in Indonesia and Iran. 

In the Ayudhya period, trade between merchants from Thailand and Muslim countries, such as Persia, Arabia, Turkey, Malay and Java flourished greater by the contribution from the Muslim community.  Their trading skills and advance knowledge were highly beneficial to the country – resulting in many Muslims being appointed to important positions in the Siamese Government. 

 

An exemplary case is when Sheik Ahmad of Persia traveled to Thailand for trade, whereby he assisted greatly to enhancing Thailand’s commercial activities.  With this recognition, the Siamese Government, therefore, appointed him as Phraya Sheik Ahmad Ratchasetthi, Minister of the Harbour Department.  He later on became Thailand’s first Sheikul Islam and was in charge of trade with the Middle East.  He was also appointed Phraya Sheik Ahmad Rattanathibordee and had the authority to command and administer both the army and civil servants in the 7 main provinces of the North.  His highest rank was during the reign of King Prasartthong, when he was appointed Chao Phraya Bavornratchanayok. His descendants also successfully served in the Government for many generations.  Today, his descendants comprise many influential families in Thailand. 

 

According to records from the Netherlands, France and Germany, aside from Sheikh Ahmad, many other Muslims also held important positions in the Government throughout the Ayudhya period.During the Rattanakosin period, under the reign of King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I), many Muslims from all parts of Siam migrated to the new capital in  B.E. 2325 (1782) and resettled along the riverbanks. 

Today, Muslims remain highly influential in many sectors, such as trade, economics and politics with a large number serving as soldiers and civil servants.  Many have also received Royal recognition and many have been knighted in many fields.   

Since the Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin periods, Islam has rapidly expanded in Thailand.  Thailand has maintained her sovereignty because of the merits and unity of her people regardless of religion and in respect of diversity.  Thailand strongly believes that every religion and culture is a main force and factor in maintaining national security.
 Source : http://www.thai2arab.com/eng/content.php?page=content&id=134&kword=na