- Malaysian Siamese
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Malaysian Siam
ชาวมาเลเซียเชื้อสายไทยTotal population 60,000[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 Religion Predominantly is Theravada Buddhism; Muslim minority
Malaysian Siamese is a term commonly referred to Malaysians of Thai ethnicity.[7] Politically, Malaysian Siamese are recognised as Bumiputeras and are given similar status to the Malays, Kadazan-Dusuns, Ibans and Malaccan Portuguese.[8][9][10]
Contents
Religion
Most Malaysian Siamese people are Buddhists of the Theravada sect. Their place of worship is called the Wat. Each Wat has several monks administering it.
Culture
Most Malaysian Siamese people lead a way of life similar to the Malays. This is evident especially among the Kelantanse Siams. 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) holds Malaysian citizenship.[12]
Notable Malaysian Siamese people
- Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah of Terengganu
- Tunku Abdul Rahman - Malaysia's first prime minister
- Lady Meriam - Tunku Abdul Rahman's first wife
- Samransak Kram - Malaysian national footballer
- Manopsak Kram - Malaysian national footballer
References
- ^ Bernama, Government Never Ignored Minority Races In Malaysia, Says Nazri, retrieved 16-12-2008
- ^ Masyarakat Siam ikrar terus sokong BN, December 2, 2008, Utusan Malaysia
- ^ Kebebasan di Wang Kelian tamat
- ^ The Star, RM178,000 presented to Siamese groups, April 25, 2007
- ^ Masyarakat Siam bangga jadi rakyat Kelantan Mohd Yusri Amin, May 4, 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, August 24, 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
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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