The Pattani Malay of People Profile

boats called Who are the Pattani Malay? kolae and batik cloths. Malay The Pattani Malay are Thai Muslims of Malay Myanmar ethnicity. The majority of the Pattani Malay culture is also live in South Thailand, in the border provinces rich in perform- Thailand of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani. They make up ing arts, includ- ing traditional over 80% of the population of these provinc- es. Most of the 2 million Pattani Malay live in dances, shadow rural villages, with only 20% in urban settings. plays and silat, a Malay martial art. Interest in performing arts seems to be diminishing Pattani Malay today, for mixed reasons. Local food has a Livelihood unique, often spicy flavour, and a meal can be a real culinary adventure. Historically, Pattani was significant in Young people today are strongly influenced Population: 2 million maritime trade. As a by television, popular music and films both Location: South Thailand famous port, people within Thailand and overseas. They bring new Languages: Thai, supported themselves ideas, as well as bad ones to society. Accord- Pattani Malay through fishing. Today, ing to a recent survey, a very high percentage there are few fish fac- of teenagers use drugs. They are mostly made tories and fish farms of kratom — also a form of medicine — a tree in Pattani. South Thailand is also one of the that grows in abundance in South Thailand. most important places for rubber production Drug addiction also contributes to high Prayer Points in the world. Others grow fruits, vegetables, unemployment in the region. work in small businesses, or as day labourers. Praise God that literature about Jesus is Thai Muslims in the South often have multiple available. Pray that more Malay will have occupations. For those who get their income Beliefs a chance to read, hear and be touched by from rubber tapping, sadly there is no work The majority of the story of Jesus. in the rainy season. Many struggle to make Thai Muslims ends meet. Still others resolve to find work belong to the Pray that the Pattani Malay would in , Bangkok or the Middle East. The Sunni sect of experience God’s power to meet their ongoing unrest in South Thailand has also Islam. By and needs. had very negative impact on the economy large, the Islam and society. Narathiwat is one of the poorest practiced in Pray for those who are disillusioned with provinces in Thailand. South Thailand religious rituals, that they would find new includes many animistic practices. Neverthe- meanings and hope in Jesus. Languages less, the Da’wah or revival movement has been very active since the 1980s. Local people Pray that God would reveal himself The Pattani Malay increasingly use Thai, have become more pious in the practice of through dreams and visions. the national language in communications. their religion, fasting, observing prayers and However, for many their heart language promoting religious education from young. Pray for followers of Jesus to walk remains “Pattani Malay,” a dialect of the Malay More women covering their heads shows that faithfully with God, despite their lonely language — similar to the dialect spoken in there is increasing Arabic influence. circumstances. May they have courage to , in northern Malaysia. Language and pray in Jesus’ name when relatives are sick, religion are closely related in South Thailand. Very few Pattani Malay are known to follow in financial need or troubled by evil spirits. The written form of Pattani Malay uses the Jesus. Most of them are not so well off, and Jawi script similar to Arabic. live scattered over a Pray that the Pattani Malay will be wide area. Yet many transformed by the Scriptures and as seeds have been indigenous fellowships are established Culture and Society sown over the last that they will transform the communities few decades and around them. The Muslims of South we trust that one Thailand are rich in day more “fruit” will Pray for peace in the troubled southern cultural heritage, which spring forth! region of Thailand, and wisdom for the is something shared by government and local people to work neighbouring Malaysia For more information about the Pattani Malay, towards agreeable resolutions. and . There are visit: www.apeopleloved.com/pattani-malay very skilled craftsmen gifted at producing beau- tiful handicrafts, such as colourful fishing Rev. 01/13

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