Can you recommend an English speaking church in Bangkok?
We are usually in Thai speaking churches but on occasion, we have had the opportunity to worship at an English-speaking international church in Bangkok. I don't know enough about any of them to give an unqualified endorsement, although at the ones we have had occasion to visit, the experience has been positive on the whole. Check out their websites for more information, directions, and worship times.
Bangkok City Baptist Church
Bangkok City Baptist Church meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45am in the Rajapark Building on the 14th floor, 163 Sukhumvit 21 (Asok), Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana Bangkok. On their Facebook page, they say "At BCBC we sing, pray, read, see, and hear God's Word. We desire for you to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ by the power of the Spirit through the proclamation of God's Word." This is a new church that launched mid-2022. They have a welcoming, friendly atmostphere and solid preaching.
The Evangelical Church of Bangkok
The Evangelical Church of Bangkok (http://www.ecb.asia) is located downtown on Sukhumwit Road, Soi 10. I am told that it is quite international interms of worshippers and overall feel. Friends have told me that they have been appreciated the more-or-less expository preaching at ECB.
Christ Church Bangkok
Christ Church Bangkok (http://www.christchurchbangkok.org) is an Anglican church in downtown Bangkok, in a large building that looks like it was imported straight from England. Decent sermon when I visited a number of years ago on Easter.
Chaengwattana Community Church
Chaengwattana Community Church (http://www.cccthailand.org) is a standard evangelical type church, with a very American feel, located in northern Bangkok on Chaengwattana Road (not far from old Don MuangAirport)
International Church of Bangkok
International Church Bangkok (http://www.icbangkok.org/) describes themselves like this: "ICB's morning worship is in a traditional Presbyterian style. Evening worship is sort of InterVarsity meets casual contemporary. We are a church where anyone (Christian or non-Christian) can come and draw close to Jesus in an atmosphere that is safe, honest, and open. We come from a wide variety of countries, cultures and ways of thinking about just about everything. What we have in common is a love for (and an interest in learning about) Jesus. He is at the center of everything we do."
Is there persecution of Christians in Thailand?
Although Buddhism is the predominant religion of Thailand and has the official sanction and support of the government, there is freedom of religion for all people in Thailand. There is no government opposition to the open and free practice of Christianity or other religions. However, Thai Buddhists who become Christians (or Muslims or some other religion) often face opposition from their families and friends and experience social pressure to return to Buddhism. This pressure can be very strong during family and community activities such as weddings, funerals, and neighborhood events. To not participate in the Buddhist or spirit-worship aspects of these activities can be misunderstood as disloyalty to family or nation.
What is the main religion in Thailand?
About 95% of Thai are Buddhist. 4% are Muslim and about 1% are Christian or other. Only about 0.58% would be counted as Protestant, the majority of which would probably fall under the category of broadly evangelical.
What kind of government does Thailand have?
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The King of Thailand has a significant moral influence over the country but the day-to-day affairs are handled by a prime minister and Parliament.