Seeing a new future for Ayutthaya
By Chad Loftis and Brian Yung | Thailand in Pacific Asia
For more than 400 years the city of Ayutthaya stood as the large, cosmopolitan capital of the mighty kingdom of Ayutthaya or Siam. European visitors to the city at its height were awed by its size and sophistication which some said outshone London and other European capitals. It was not only the political capital of this important kingdom but also the religious centre. King Ramathibodi I introduced Theravada Buddhism to Siam during the time the city was founded and it was soon full of many impressive temples and shrines - the ruins of which are, in some cases, still standing today.
But in the late 1700s Ayutthaya was sacked by a Burmese army and the Thai capital moved to Bangkok. Since then, although it remains a historically and spiritually significant place, the living city of Ayutthaya’s star has faded - it has become just another town on the far outskirts of sprawling Bangkok. In some ways, forgotten.
Perhaps this is why there are so few churches and barely any Christians in Ayutthaya and its surrounding province. With an estimated few hundred Christians in a province of almost a million people the chances for a resident of this once great town to hear the good news about Jesus are slim indeed. Along with Thai Christians SIM International is working hard to ensure that Ayutthaya is no longer forgotten. We are building a multi-ethnic, multi-skilled team to live in and help serve the community of Ayutthaya through English teaching, sport ministry and community development.
We see a new dawn for the old city of Ayutthaya and its people. If you or your church is interested in supporting the work of bringing good news and new hope to this city contact thailand.personnel@sim.org.
Related stories
In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom
When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.
What might God do in 2025?
As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.
How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society
France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.
