fbpx
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The Thai Sikh Community, So open and welcoming. 

Sikhism, one of the major religions of the world. 

There’s around 70,000 Sikhs in the Kingdom of Thailand who began to arrive in the late 19th century from India.

Thai Sikhs are one of the largest Indian communities in Thailand, highly respected by all and considered to have very good relations with the Thai royal family.

 

(Proud Thai Sikh’s loyal to the king of Thailand)

 

Proudly parading through Phuket town this Sunday (10th November 2019), despite the rainy weather everyone was happily waving Thai flags along with a portrait of King Rama X as the 12th November 2019 marks the 550 year anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

(The head priest waves the “Chau Sahib” as a sign of reverence and respect for the Holy Scripture)

The first Gurdwara (Temple) in Phuket

Constructed by Sikhs who came to Phuket working as Tin Miners and Railway Engineers. Now there’s about twenty Sikh temples  (Gurdwaras) in the country.

Later many Sikh businessman moved to Phuket starting their own businesses, more so when Phuket became a main tourist hub of Thailand.

Today many Thai Sikh families can continuously be seen involved in charitable acts across the country and ingrained in Thai society.



Noticeably you can hear Thai Sikh families speaking between English, Punjabi but mostly using Thai.

This incredibly welcoming community holds prayer in Phuket Town Gurdwara every Sunday where anyone is welcome to join and share Guru Ka Langar (meal)

(There’s around 40 large Thai Sikh families based in Phuket)



The Five K’s of Sikhism: 

Five items that Khalsa Sikhs traditionally wear at all times since 1699. 

  • Kesh (uncut hair)
  • Kanga (a wooden comb)
  • Kara (an iron bracelet), 
  • Kachera (100% cotton shorts) 
  • Kirpan (Iron dagger used to defend the rights of the oppressed).

(Panj Pyare (Five Sikh Men) leading the Nagar Kirtan (procession) on the 10th of November, despite heavy rain.)
Facebook Comments Box
Asa Marsh
Asa Marshhttps://www.asialifestylemagazine.com/
Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of Asia Lifestyle Magazine.Originally from the UK, Asa Marsh has been based in Asia for many years. Well known for guiding his Real Estate and Lifestyle company Easy Living Phuket to win the title of “Top 10 Real Estate Agency - Southeast Asia” in 2018.
spot_img

Other Articles

Celebrating 4 Years of Asia Lifestyle Magazine: Embracing the Journey Ahead.

Four years ago, we embarked on a remarkable journey with the launch of Asia Lifestyle Magazine. Today, as we celebrate our 4th anniversary, we...

Unlocking Business Opportunities with the Netherlands Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC)

The global business landscape is constantly evolving, and entrepreneurs are continuously seeking new avenues for growth and expansion. If you are an entrepreneur looking...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Insect Farming for Food

The UN FAO or the Food and Agriculture Organization promote insects as part of the sustainability benefits.
spot_img