Malaysian Siamese
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (70,000 (2014 estimate)[1]) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
Peninsula Malaysia (principally the northern states) Perak: 2,000 (2008)[2] Perlis: 6,000 (2008)[3] Kedah: 30,000 (2007)[4] Kelantan: 13,000 (2008)[5] | |
| Languages | |
| Thai language in the variants or dialects such as the Southern Thai and standard Thai (native languages); also Malaysian language spoken in the dialects of Kelantanese Malay and Kedah Malay in addition to standard Malaysian language[6] | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Theravada Buddhism with a small minority professing Sunni Islam. |
The Malaysian Siamese, Siamese Malaysian or Thai Malaysian consists of people of full or partial Thai descent who were born in or immigrated to Malaysia.[7] In 2014, there were nearly 70,000 people self-identifying as "Siamese" or "Thai" who hold Malaysian nationality. This number excludes those who does not have received Malaysian citizenship (MyKad): permanent residents and non-citizens.
Politically, Malaysian Siamese are recognised as Bumiputeras and are given similar status to the Malays including Bruneian whom are a significant subgroup of the Malays living in the southern west coast of Sabah, the northern part of Sarawak including the island of Labuan and also other ethnic groups such as the Kadazan-Dusuns, Ibans and Malaccan Portuguese.[8][9][10]
Religion
Malaysian Siamese people adhere to Buddhism and Islam. The predominant form of Buddhism is Theravada which is centred on their place of worship called the Wat. There also exists a significant Muslim community. However, many Muslim Siamese have become assimilated into the Malay populace and no longer identify as Siamese.
Culture
Most Malaysian Siamese people lead a way of life similar to the Malays. This is evident especially among the Kelantanese Siamese. One could not differentiate a Malay or a Siamese if they are not heard speaking their own language. The only distinctive mark among them is their religion and language. Otherwise Malaysian Siamese are like Malays as they also speak fluent local Malay dialects.
The Malaysian Siamese often get patronage from the state governments for their community well being. Often, temples are given generous fundings by the governments.[11]
Statistics
- In 2000, the national statistics cited 50,211 individuals of Thai ethnicity in Malaysia. Among these, 38,353 (or 76.4% of them) hold Malaysian citizenship.[12]
Notable Malaysian Siamese people
- Abdul Halim of Kedah, the incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (mixed Malay-Siamese parentage)
- Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first prime minister (mixed Malay-Siamese parentage)
- Samransak Kram, Malaysian national footballer
- Manopsak Kram, Malaysian national footballer
- Hattaphon Bun An, Malaysian footballer
- Mohd Ridzuan Abdunloh, Malaysian footballer
- Nelydia Senrose, Malaysian actress (partial Siamese descent)
- Richard Rivalee, Malaysian fashion designer (of Sino-Thai heritage)
- Faezah Elai, Malaysian actress (partial Siamese descent)
- Bront Palarae, Malaysian actor (mixed Malay-Punjabi-Siamese heritage)
- Ju Pha Som Net, Malaysian national track cyclist
- Datuk Boon Som Inong, current Malaysian senator and third Siamese Malaysian to hold the office.
- Siri Neng Buah, President of Malaysian Siamese Association.
Literature
- Johnson, Irving Chan (2013). The Buddha on Mecca's Verandah: Encounters, mobilities, and histories along the Malaysian-Thai border. University of Washington Press.
References
- ↑ Nop Nai Samrong (8 January 2014). "SIAMESE MALAYSIANS: They are part of our society". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
- ↑ Masyarakat Siam ikrar terus sokong BN, 2 December 2008, Utusan Malaysia
- ↑ Kebebasan di Wang Kelian tamat
- ↑ The Star, RM178,000 presented to Siamese groups, 25 April 2007
- ↑ Masyarakat Siam bangga jadi rakyat Kelantan Mohd Yusri Amin, 4 May 2008, Harakah
- ↑ Movement and Identity Construction Amongst Kelantan's Thai Community, pg 2, Irving Johnson, Harvard University
- ↑ Malaysian Siamese Will Not Disappoint BN In Permatang Pauh BERNAMA, 24 August 2008
- ↑ Siamese community enjoys Bumi rights: Nazri, The Star, June 12, 2010
- ↑ Papia, Relijang e Tradisang–The Portuguese Eurasians in Malaysia : Bumiquest, A Search for Self Identity Gerard FERNANDIS, Lusotopie 2000 : 261-268
- ↑ Kaum Siam bumiputera - Nazri, Utusan Malaysia, June 13 2010
- ↑ Tumpat temple to get Thai royal award 2008/11/10, New Straits Times
- ↑ MALAYSIA: DEWAN NEGARA–Isnin, 3 Disember 2001, pg 12 Archived 25 January 2006 at the Wayback Machine.
External links
- Ruam Thai community
- Persatuan Kebudayaan Masyarakat Siam Negeri Kedah (PEKEMAS)
- Malaysian Thai community forum
- RuamThai Politeknik Tuanku Slutanah Bahiyah, Kulim
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