The word “Muslim” refers to those who practice Islam. The word “Islam” in Arabic means “surrender” and “compliance” by respecting one and only one God, “Allah,” with Muhammad as the last prophet. Islam is originally practised in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia at the present. The Thai population, however, may refer to Muslims are those who live in the deep south, particularly the four southernmost border provinces, which has the largest concentration of those who practise the religion. This comes as no surprise, as since the ancient times, there is proper evidence of contact between the Malay state and the Sukhothai Kingdom. Much was done through trade, which led to the development of relationship between the two kingdoms. Up until the Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Rattanakosin periods, the Islam religion and Muslims have always been active in shaping the history of the land of Siam.

When the Rattanakosin Kingdom was inaugurated as the new capital, people were displaced and forcibly brought into settlements for reasons of population and labour. At the same time, various Muslim communities have moved into settlements with the Siamese along with other foreigners. They are often unofficially referred to as “kaek” by local Thais, followed by their origin of nationality such as “kaek-jaam,” “kaek-chawa,” “kaek-malay,” “kaek-jaosen” etc. It is believed that such term of referral is used for the convenience of indicating the identity of a specific group of Muslims according to their ethnic background. Muslims often live in communities scattered around the city, each with a unique way of life that paints a picture telling story, while establishing the unique identity of the community. Some examples include the militia Baan Krua Mosque Community and the artisan at Chakraphong Mosque Community.

Muslims have long played a pivotal role in the development of the Thai economy and contributed to the royal court of Siam in bringing modern foreign technology into the development of the kingdom, from the early Rattanakosin period up to the reign of King Rama V. When a policy was established to reform the governance and various social structure, with the aim of developing the Kingdom of Siam to be on par with other civilised nations, such wave of reforms also played a major influence on the Muslim communities. From the traditional way of life practised in a particular community, Muslims are now integrated into a larger society—making their living and continuing their way of life just as like an ordinary Thai citizen that we see today. Through different eras and evolvement of time, Islamic culture in Bangkok has also undergone a process of various adaptation with the modern-day society, while maintaining the identity as a “culture” in which its doctrine extends to the daily life.

The Siam Society will arrange a one-day study trip taking members and those who are interested through the Muslim culture to visit four Masjids in Bangkok in a charming background of its unique Islamic architecture which are Masjid Chakraphong, Masjid Bang Ao, Masjid Tonson and Masjid Bang Luang. We will also visit The First Presbyterian Church in Samre district which was awarded for conservation by The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in Bangkok.