Salvation Army Work in Thailand Officially Recognised

General Brian Peddle has approved the official recognition of the commencement of the Army’s work in the Kingdom of Thailand

The Salvation Army in Thailand

The Salvation Army in Thailand

Following a meeting of The General’s Council on 13 June 2023, General Brian Peddle has approved the official recognition of the commencement of the Army’s work in the Kingdom of Thailand, making it the 134th country in which The Salvation Army has a legally and officially recognised ministry.

Although the process for registration of The Salvation Army as a legal entity began in 2016, it was only on 28 April 2023 that the government of Chiang Province approved the establishment of The Salvation Army, with the work in Thailand coming under the direction of the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory

Children's ministry in Thailand
Children join in prayers

Pioneering work

The Salvation Army began to explore the possibility of ministry in the country during a visit to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, in 2012. Recognised as a developing country with a population approaching 70 million, a need for the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of the Army was identified as, despite a strong economy, freedom of religion and open and friendly ties with the West, wealth and prosperity is enjoyed by some whilst others are still living in poverty.

Pioneering work in Chiang Mai was undertaken in August 2014 when International Headquarters appointed Majors Ken and Neva Phiouthong to initiate research and development, work that continued to advance under subsequent officers and lay personnel. There has been a worshipping community since 2015, with the joyful enrolment of soldiers under each leadership team.

Sports ministry in Thailand
Sports ministry

The activities of The Salvation Army in Thailand have been diverse, including assisting flood victims, visiting prisons, and offering support to the homeless and those living in poverty. Other work to share the good news has included camps for underprivileged children, sports ministry, team and women’s group Bible studies, fundraising, fellowship events, men’s fellowship gatherings and home visits. 

Currently the corps (church) has 15 senior soldiers, eight recruits for soldiership, five Sunday school participants, six corps council members, eight in the women’s group and seven people attending online meetings. 

God's timing

We celebrate God’s timing in officially opening the doors for The Salvation Army’s work in Thailand. We march forward with grateful hearts to fulfil God’s mission for the Army in the country. May he continue to lead and grant us wisdom as we seek to build a strong Salvation Army in Thailand.

IHQ Communications based on a report by Colonel Hary Haran

IHQ Communications

Discover more

Faith-Based Facilitation
Strategy and impact

Faith-Based Facilitation

Faith-Based Facilitation is a way of helping people think, talk, explore and respond to issues in the light of faith.

Volunteers unload supplies from a Salvation Army emergency vehicle
Emergency response
USA Southern

The Salvation Army responds to catastrophic Texas floods

Emergency Disaster Services teams are working around the clock to provide meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas, USA, following the devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River.

World map with countries highlighted in different colours
Strategy and impact

World Map

A downloadable map showing countries in which The Salvation Army is at work.

A group of young Salvationists in front of the exhibition 'Transforming lives for 160 years'
International Headquarters

Salvation Army celebrates 160 years; anticipates powerful future

Transforming lives and communities since 1865

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Spot the Signs

Driven by poverty, conflict, persecution – and the global demand for cheap goods, labour and sex – modern slavery and human trafficking are thriving worldwide. Yes, even in your own community.

Victims often can’t ask for help. They rely on others – on

Prayer

International Prayer Focus Calendar

Each week, Salvationists around the world unite in praying for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.