Indians in Thailand

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Thai Indians
Flag of India.svg Flag of Thailand.svg
Deepavali Bangkok 2022 at Khlong Ong Ang - image 17.jpg
Indian diaspora dressed in sari dancing at Dipavali Bangkok 2022
Total population
Indian nationals
65,000
People of Indian descent
465,000
Regions with significant populations
Bangkok  · Pattaya  · Chiang Mai  · Phuket
Languages
Thai  · Telugu  · Tamil  • English  · Gujarati  · Urdu  · Punjabi
Religion
Hinduism  · Christianity  · Buddhism  · Sikhism  · Islam
Related ethnic groups
People of Indian Origin

Thai Indians are Thai people with full or partial Indian ancestry. [1] But these ancestral ties are usually left out of statistics. About 65,000 Indian Thais have full Thai citizenship, but around 400,000 persons of Indian origin settled in Thailand mainly in the urban cities. Intermixing and interethnic marriages of the earlier migrants have led to a large indigenous Thai Indian community. [2]

Contents

An opinion poll in 2010 stated that 37% of Thai people had positive views about India, contrasted with 37% of Thai people having negative views about India. [3]

History

Since ancient time, there have been various exchanges between the India and Thailand. India was known as Jambudvipa and South East Asia was known as Suwannabhumi. [4]

Indo Thai trade relations go back to 500 BCE at least where evidence indicates presence of trade relations with north India (Etched carnelian beads) and south India (Indo -Pacific beads). [5] [6]

Buddhism and Hinduism originally arrived to Thailand from India and spread over the centuries. King Ashoka sent monks from India to countries overseas to spread Buddhism, and the first major site was established at the city of Pataliputra in 218 BE. It was also heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism by contact with Sri Lanka. [7]

During the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, evidence of the presence of sizable number of Indians in the Thai court is described by a number of western travelers. However most of the contemporary Indians came to Thailand after 1920, and during the first half of the 19th century. [8]

The Mariamman Temple, Bangkok is the first modern temple built in the South Indian architectural style. It was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant. [9] [10] [11]

British East India Company

Modern Indian communities have been around since the 1860s of the British Raj era. Most of the Indians arrived in the last century, notably from Tamil Nadu and other areas of Southern India. Some others came from Northern India such as Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and some from Gujarat.

Some Thai Muslims, especially in the Southern part of Thailand, have Indian ancestry. A notable number of Sikhs established a small area in Bangkok called Phahurat which grew into a strong town rivaling Chinatown, who tend to have jobs in business rather than as professionals due to their cultural values. [12] [13]

The historical number of the Indian population in Thailand can be seen in British consular statistics; however, these figures often lumped Indians together with Sinhalese and Malays. According to 1912 statistics, there were 30 Indians registered in the Chiengmai (Chiang Mai) consular district, 41 Indians and Malays in the Puket (Phuket) consular district, 40 Indians and Malays in the Senggora (Songkhla) consular district, and 423 Indians, Sinhalese, and Malays in the Bangkok consular district. These figures were also believed to be a gross undercount of the true population; for example, the Bangkok consular district had registered only 517 British subjects, but other estimates claimed the number was 20 times higher. [14]

Tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand granted a 30 day visa-exemption status for Indian citizens between the 10th November 2023 and 10th May 2024. [15] Discussions are ongoing as to a long term mutual visa-free status for citizens of India and Thailand respectively, joining Myanmar and soon Sri Lanka. [16] [17] [18] Thailand became the preferred destination of Indian tourists according to accommodation reservation platform Agoda. [19]

India became one of the largest inbound markets for tourism in 2019, and by 2021 it had supplanted China as the largest source of tourism to Thailand. [20] Malaysia was the largest source of tourism in 2022, [21] which along with India helped Thailand surpass it's tourism targets of ten million. [22]

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been heavily promoted Thailand as a tourism destination in India, and has offered all Indian citizens visa-on-arrival and even periods of visa free entry. [23] [24] The country is viewed as having "rich culture, stunning beaches, glittering temples, adventure sports, mesmerizing nature, and buzzing nightlife". [25] Several destinations such as Phuket have been trying to attract more Indian tourists. [26] [27]

By 2022 India and Malaysia remained the two top sources for inbound tourism to Thailand. [28] 1.6 million tourists from India visited Thailand during 2023. [29]

Oyo Hotels has a large presence in the country and wider region (South East Asia was the first foray outside India for the company). [30] It attained one million guests within three months soon after opening. [31] A notable number of entertainment establishments in Thailand are owned by Indians, including clubs, bars, ladyboy entertainment, accommodation, gay bars and restaurants. [32] [33]

India is also a major tourist destination for Thai people, and was the fifth most popular destination for Thai tourists outside East Asia in 2017. [34] [35]

Notable people

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phuket province</span> Province of Thailand

Phuket ; Thai: ภูเก็ต,, Malay: Bukit or Tongkah is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. Phuket lies off the west coast of mainland Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is connected by the Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga province to the north. The next nearest province is Krabi, to the east across Phang Nga Bay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phuket International Airport</span> Airport in southern Thailand

Phuket International Airport is an international airport serving the island of Phuket and its province in southern Thailand. It is located 32 km (20 mi) north of downtown Phuket in the Mai Khao subdistrict of Thalang district. The airport plays a major role in Thailand's tourism industry, as Phuket is a popular resort destination. It is the third-busiest airport in Thailand in terms of passengers, after Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The airport set a record of 15.1 million arrivals and departures in 2016, up 17.8 percent from 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hua Hin district</span> District in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

Hua Hin is one of eight districts (amphoe) of Prachuap Khiri Khan province in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula in Thailand. Its seat of government, also named Hua Hin, is a beach resort town. The district's population was estimated at 65,983 in December 2019 by the Bureau of Registration Administration in an area of 911 km2 (352 sq mi). By road, it is 199 km (124 mi) south-southwest of Bangkok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Thailand</span>

Hinduism in Thailand is a minority religion followed by 84,400 (0.1%) of the population as of 2020. Despite being a Buddhist-majority nation, Thailand has a very strong Hindu influence. The majority of Thai Hindus reside in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Phuket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Thailand</span>

Tourism is an economic contributor to the Kingdom of Thailand. Estimates of tourism revenue directly contributing to the GDP of 12 trillion baht range from one trillion baht (2013) 2.53 trillion baht (2016), the equivalent of 9% to 17.7% of GDP. When including indirect travel and tourism receipts, the 2014 total is estimated to be the equivalent of 19.3% of Thailand's GDP. According to the secretary-general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council in 2019, projections indicate the tourism sector will account for 30% of GDP by 2030, up from 20% in 2019, Thailand expects to receive 80 million visitors in 2027.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikhism in Thailand</span>

Sikhism is a recognised minority religion in Thailand, with about 70,000 adherents. The religion was brought by migrants from India who began to arrive in the late 19th century. There are about twenty Sikh temples or Gurdwaras in the country, including the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Bangkok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thai passport</span> Passport issued to Thai nationals

Thai passport is the passport issued to citizens and nationals of Thailand by the Passport Division of the Department of Consular Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thai biometric passports have been issued since August 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Religion in Thailand</span>

Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand. It is practised by between roughly 90 and 94% of the total population and is deeply influenced by Hinduism. The Thai Constitution does not indicate any state religion, but promotes Buddhism, while guaranteeing religious freedom for all Thai citizens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Thailand relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and Thailand have officially established diplomatic ties on 7 March 1950. The two countries have since enjoyed a cordial bilateral relationship. Both countries have established embassies in each capitals, Indonesia has their embassy in Bangkok and a consulate in Songkhla, while Thailand has their embassy in Jakarta and honorary consulates in Denpasar, Medan and Surabaya. High rank stately visits has been conducted for years. Both nations are the founders of ASEAN and members of numerous organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, APEC, Cairns Group, G20 developing nations and the Indian-Ocean Rim Association. Indonesia and Thailand are viewed as natural allies. Indonesia is also appointed as observer in Cambodian–Thai border dispute.

The meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) industry in Thailand is one of the major branches of tourism in Thailand, contributing an estimated 0.58 percent to Thailand's GDP in 2012.

The year 2008 was the 227th year of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. It was the 63rd year in the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and is reckoned as year 2551 in the Buddhist Era. Much of the year was spent under the 2008 Thai political crisis, which saw political protests leading to the dissolution of the ruling People's Power Party by the Constitutional Court.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phuket (city)</span> City in Thailand

Phuket is a city in the southeast of Phuket Island, Thailand, and the capital of Phuket province. As of 2020 the city had a population of 79,308. It covers the subdistricts (tambons) Talat Yai and Talat Nuea of Mueang Phuket district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portugal–Thailand relations</span> Bilateral relations

Relations between Portugal and Thailand date as far as the 16th century. Portugal was the first European nation to make contact with the Ayutthaya Kingdom, in 1511. The Portuguese became dominant foreign traders, and established a presence in the capital. Portuguese traders introduced firearms as well as New-World goods from the Columbian Exchange, influencing Thai cuisine, language and culture. Although Portugal's overseas influence gradually declined from the 17th century, it maintained ties with Siam. The Portuguese Embassy in Bangkok, established in 1820, is the oldest diplomatic mission in the country. In contrast to other European powers, against whose colonial aspirations Siam struggled during the 19th century, Siam's relationship with Portugal was largely friendly. Both countries elevated their missions to embassy status in 1964, and Thailand established a resident embassy in Lisbon in 1981. Today, the two countries share a small amount of trade, tourism and cultural activities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Phuket boat capsizing</span> Maritime incident in Thailand

On 5 July 2018, two tourist boats capsized and sank near Phuket, Thailand, during a sudden storm. 46 people died and three were missing, all of whom were on the double-decker ship Phoenix PC Diving, which carried 101 people, including 89 tourists. All 42 passengers aboard the second boat, Serenita, were rescued.

The year 2019 is the 238th year of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. It is the fourth year in the reign of King Vajiralongkorn, and is reckoned as year 2562 in the Buddhist Era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betong Airport</span> Airport in southern Thailand

Betong International Airport is in Yarom subdistrict, Betong district, Yala province in southern Thailand. The airport is 12 km (7.5 mi) east of Betong, 85 km (53 mi) southeast from Yala city and 20 km (12 mi) via the Malaysian border. The airport covers an area of 1.47 million sq.m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srettha Thavisin</span> Prime Minister of Thailand from 2023 to 2024

Srettha Thavisin is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2023 until his dismissal from the position by the Constitutional Court on 14 August 2024. In 1988, he co-founded Sansiri, a venture that propelled him to become a billionaire and a leading real estate tycoon within his country.

References

  1. ↑ Kutanan, Wibhu; Kampuansai, Jatupol; Brunelli, Andrea; Ghirotto, Silvia; Pittayaporn, Pittayawat; Ruangchai, Sukhum; Schröder, Roland; Macholdt, Enrico; Srikummool, Metawee; Kangwanpong, Daoroong; Hübner, Alexander (June 2018). "New insights from Thailand into the maternal genetic history of Mainland Southeast Asia". European Journal of Human Genetics. 26 (6): 898–911. doi: 10.1038/s41431-018-0113-7 . ISSN   1476-5438. PMC   5974021 . PMID   29483671.
  2. ↑ "Welcome to Embassy of India,Bangkok - Thailand". embassyofindiabangkok.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  3. ↑ "Global Views of United States Improve While Other Countries Decline" (PDF).
  4. ↑ Srichampa, Sophana (2015). "Indians in Thailand: Dynamics of Moving Thai Society to ASEAN Community and Asia" (PDF). Silpakorn University Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. 15 (3). Centre for Bharat Studies, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand: 121–150 – via Thai Science.
  5. ↑ Solheim, Wilhelm G.; FRANCIS, PETER (2003). "Review of ASIA'S MARITIME BEAD TRADE, 300 B.C. TO THE PRESENT, PETER FRANCIS, JR". Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 76 (2 (285)): 129–132. ISSN   0126-7353. JSTOR   41493507.
  6. ↑ Bellina, Bérénice (Jan 2001). "Alkaline Etched Beads East of India in the Late Prehistoric and early historic periods". Bulletin de l'École française d'Extrême-Orient. 88: 191–205. doi:10.3406/befeo.2001.3513.
  7. ↑ "The Buddhist Society". www.thebuddhistsociety.org. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  8. ↑ "INDIAN COMMUNITY IN THAILAND" . Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  9. ↑ Sandhu & Mani 2006, p. 978.
  10. ↑ Kesavapany, Mani & Ramasamy 2008, p. 673.
  11. ↑ Manguin, Mani & Wade 2011, p. 475.
  12. ↑ "วารสาร เมืองโบราณ MuangBoran Journal". Archived from the original on 2011-10-01. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  13. ↑ Samachar, Asia (2018-11-06). "Sikhs in Thailand: Retrospect and Prospect". Asia Samachar. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  14. ↑ Bangkok and Siam, directory, Straits Settlements and Siam: Bangkok Times Press, 1914, p. 199
  15. ↑ "Thailand may extend visa exemption for Indians beyond 6 months if tourism grows". The Economic Times. 2023-11-14. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  16. ↑ Shoowong, Molpasorn (27 February 2024). "Call for visa-free travel between India, Thailand". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  17. ↑ "Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand" (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Department of Consular Affairs. 1 January 2024.
  18. ↑ "Lanka, Thailand sign FTA with facility for visa-free travel". Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  19. ↑ DHNS. "Visa-free entry makes Thailand the most preferred destination for Indian tourists: Agoda". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  20. ↑ "India replaces China as Thailand's top tourism market: TAT". nationthailand. 2022-05-27. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  21. ↑ "Thailand targets 2 million Indian tourists in 2023, same as before Covid". The Times of India. 2023-03-06. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  22. ↑ leah (2022-11-07). "Thailand to surpass tourism target thanks to Malaysians and Indians". Thaiger. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  23. ↑ "The Taste With Vir: Why nothing stops the world from visiting Bangkok". Hindustan Times. 2023-07-25. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  24. ↑ "Indians Can Travel To Thailand Without Visa From November 10 To May 10". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  25. ↑ "Reasons why Thailand is popular with Indian Tourists | Trawell Blog". 2023-05-12. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  26. ↑ "Indian tourists a godsend to Phuket". nationthailand. 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  27. ↑ Siri, Raktida (May 2009). "Indian tourists' motivation, perception, and satisfaction of Bangkok,Thailand". UNT Digital Library. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  28. ↑ Bloomberg (2022-06-28). "Malaysians, Indians lead tourist rush to Thailand". Free Malaysia Today (FMT). Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  29. ↑ "Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand cross 27 million in 2023". nationthailand. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  30. ↑ "OYO opens 250 hotels in Thailand". mint. 2019-11-25. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  31. ↑ Paul, Megha (2020-01-28). "OYO welcomed 1,000,000 guests in Thailand in 3 months". Brand TD. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  32. ↑ Petpailin, Petch (2023-06-15). "Kamaa drama: Indian-owned club sparks chaos as tourists become targets in Pattaya (Video)". Thaiger. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  33. ↑ Rose, Samantha (2023-06-08). "Indian squatters run bar and rent rooms in abandoned Pattaya building". Thaiger. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  34. ↑ Erawan, Theera (2020-02-07). "India's destination image and loyalty perception in Thailand". International Journal of Tourism Cities. 6 (3): 565–582. doi:10.1108/IJTC-08-2019-0129. ISSN   2056-5607. S2CID   212970956.
  35. ↑ "Summary of tourism expenses of Thai tourists traveling outside the country in 2017 (TOURISM EXPENDITURE BY OUTGOING THAI TRAVELLERS (Q1-Q4 2017))".

Sources


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