Focus on Thailand

Smiling Faces, Empty Hearts
If you walk down a street in Thailand, you will probably be greeted with a smile. The country, whose name means the "Free Land," is also known as "the Land of Smiles," due to the Thai people's friendly hospitality. But the smiles on some women's faces hide hearts full of pain and suffering, and for many, "the free land" doesn't mean "land of the free." For years, they have been suppressed by tradition and culture, as have numerous women throughout the world.

"I want to see God change the hearts and lives of many women in my country, particularly those who are hopeless and helpless," says the Rev. Buakab Ronghanam, Voice of Peace (VOP) director. "Also, that they may receive the strength from God to continue their lives meaningfully."

Buakab is delighted to see that the Thai version of Trans World Radio's (TWR) Women of Hope program in partnership with VOP, begins airing in October. The fall program inaugurates Project Hannah's third year of ministry.

"With its positive message of God's love, and the encouragement to women from a heart of faithful friendship and sincere faith, Project Hannah will be able to reach across the deep chasm of hurts and aching hearts in Thai women with the healing touch of Christ," says Buakab.

Women of Hope broadcasts the message that only Jesus Christ can provide freedom and salvation. To support the new Thai language programs, women's prayer groups meet each Sunday afternoon, while others gather every third Sunday to pray and fellowship.

Due to slavery, discrimination, prostitution, and physical and emotional abuse, women in Thailand are in desperate need of hope. Some Thai women are forced into the country's sex slavery industry because of poor financial situations. They feel that selling their bodies is the only way that they can support themselves or their families. Since the Thai people look down on them, prostitutes often work in more "acceptable" positions, such as night club singers, waitresses, or hotel staff. But they are still expected to sell themselves.

Although a majority of women suffer this oppression, some do break free. In accordance with their rights in Thailand's constitution, women have acquired education and joined the workforce, where some have gained a measure of acceptance. However, some female workers still face injustices like social bias, threatened security in industrial work, and inequality in job opportunities compared with that of men.

"With the help of the Holy Spirit, they can exercise goodness that really comes from God," says Buakab. "Our country's women will not be looked down on for immoral practices any longer, but they will become women of dignity."

Profile of a Thai Woman
· The major religion in Thailand does not recognize equality between men and women. Thai family life has never been considerate of its women members, but it is worse for women today more than ever.

· Polygamy is still practiced, although only one marriage is officially registered. It is common for a man to desert his wife and children to live with another wife, but if a woman leaves her husband, her whole family is disgraced.

· Men may have as many wives as they wish. If they are not government workers, then no conditions are placed upon them to take care of their families.

· There are an estimated 1 million prostitutes in Thailand, but because of the fear of AIDS, it is difficult to get an accurate number.

· Animist beliefs of many Thai tribes does not prohibit the sale of young girls.
Information compiled by Voice of Peace in Thailand and Religion Today