Malaysian Siamese

Malaysians of Thai origin
ชาวมาเลเซียเชื้อสายไทย
A group of Siamese theater performers in Kuala Lebir (present day, Kuala Krai District), Kelantan, July 1909.
Total population
70,000[1] (2014, est.)
Regions with significant populations
 Malaysia (principally the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia):
 Kedah: 30,000 (2007)[2]
 Kelantan: 13,000 (2008)[3]
 Perlis: 6,000 (2008)[4]
 Perak: 2,000 (2008)[5]
Languages
Southern Thai dialects (native); most also speak standard Thai, as well as local Malay dialects (Kelantanese or Kedah) in addition to standard Malaysian[6]
Religion
Predominantly Theravada Buddhism with a small minority professing Sunni Islam.
Related ethnic groups

The Malaysian Siamese, Siamese Malaysians or Thai Malaysians are 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 Thais living in Malaysia who do not hold Malaysian citizenship.

Politically, Malaysian Siamese are recognised as Bumiputeras (indigenous) and are given similar status to the Malays.[8][9][10]

Religion

Malaysian Siamese people adhere to either Buddhism or Islam. The predominant form of Buddhism is Theravada which is centred on their place of worship called 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

  • Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah, V & XIVth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (Malay-Siamese lineage)
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first prime minister (royal Malay-Siamese lineage)
  • Samransak Kram, Malaysian national footballer
  • Manopsak Kram, Malaysian national footballer
  • Hattaphon Bun An, Malaysian footballer
  • Mohd Ridzuan Abdunloh, Malaysian footballer
  • Janna Nick, Malaysian actress and singer
  • 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)
  • Jupha Somnet, Malaysian national track cyclist
  • Datuk Seri Boon Som Inong, former Malaysian senator and third Siamese Malaysian to hold the office.
  • Santhawan Boonratana, Miss Grand Malaysia 2015
  • Siri Neng Buah, President of Malaysian Siamese Association.
  • Naresuan Rajawongse @ Azuan Aziz, Former Muay Thai Athlete & Captain in Malaysian Armed Forces
  • Dato Seri Latt Shariman, President, Malaysia-Thailand Friendship Association (Malay-Siamese lineage).
  • Mawar Rashid, Malaysian actress (half-Malay, half-Thai)

See also

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

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ The Star, RM178,000 presented to Siamese groups Archived 19 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine., 25 April 2007
  3. ↑ Masyarakat Siam bangga jadi rakyat Kelantan Mohd Yusri Amin, 4 May 2008, Harakah
  4. ↑ Kebebasan di Wang Kelian tamat
  5. ↑ Masyarakat Siam ikrar terus sokong BN, 2 December 2008, Utusan Malaysia
  6. ↑ Movement and Identity Construction Amongst Kelantan's Thai Community, pg 2, Irving Johnson, Harvard University
  7. ↑ Malaysian Siamese Will Not Disappoint BN In Permatang Pauh BERNAMA, 24 August 2008
  8. ↑ Siamese community enjoys Bumi rights: Nazri, The Star, June 12, 2010 Archived 15 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  9. ↑ Papia, Relijang e Tradisang–The Portuguese Eurasians in Malaysia : Bumiquest, A Search for Self Identity Gerard FERNANDIS, Lusotopie 2000 : 261-268
  10. ↑ Kaum Siam bumiputera - Nazri, Utusan Malaysia, June 13 2010
  11. ↑ Tumpat temple to get Thai royal award 2008/11/10, New Straits Times
  12. ↑ MALAYSIA: DEWAN NEGARA–Isnin, 3 Disember 2001, pg 12 Archived 25 January 2006 at the Wayback Machine.
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