Page Contents

• Introduction [more]
  • Catholic Church [more]
  • Seventh-Day Adventist Church [more]
  • Haadyai Christian Church [more]
  • Haadyai City Church [more]
  • Hatyai Baptist Church [more]
  • The House of the Lord Church [more]

Churches in Hat Yai

Introduction

The first point to make is that I'm not at all religious. If I had to label myself as being the follower of any religion it would probably be Buddhism. However, I regard Buddhism as a philosophy in life and not as an organised religion per se. For me, the best place to follow Buddhist teaching is in my heart and mind, not in a temple. The reason for creating this page is that quite a few people search for churches in Hat Yai.

The predominant religion in Thailand is Buddhism. Buddhism is probably the most tolerant religion of all, and there is great respect among Buddhists for followers of other religions. When King Mongkut (Rama IV) first opened Thailand up to the outside world he invited foreign missionaries into the country and listened carefully to what they had to say.

Missionaries were given land on which to build churches and allowed to spread their message. A few Thais have converted to Christianity, but not that many.

There are Catholic schools in Hat Yai run by Thai Catholic priests and nuns. At these schools, however, you will find that the vast majority of students are Buddhist. Some are Muslim and a few Christian. Thai Christian students are usually Christian because their parents have converted.

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Church Listings

The following listings just give some very basic information. I can probably help you with locations, but I can't answer questions about the specific doctrine of any particular church or anything technical regarding theology.

If you have any information about any of the places of worship listed here, I would be very happy to add it. You can contact me by sending an e-mail.

Comments: One map I have says the church at this location is called 'Our Lady of Lourdes Church' (which sounds very Catholic). The English sign outside just says Catholic Church, but the Thai script does appear to use a poor transliteration of Lourdes.

It is located right next door to Saengthong School, which is a Catholic boys' school run by Catholic priests. There is also a Catholic girls' school in Hat Yai (Thidanukhro School) run by Catholic sisters. The vast majority of students attending these schools are Buddhist.

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Comments: This church may be a little tricky to find. It is near Koke Samaan Kuun temple. There is a map on their web page. From central Hat Yai, go over the railway bridge towards Hat Yai Nai. Just as you cross the bridge (past the police station) do a U-Turn and then turn left.

You will see a temple on your left. Turn right and go into the road opposite the temple entrance. Turn right and you should see the church on the right. It's just a small building.

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Comments: I thought all churches were Christian? This one is located near Gim Yong market, the fresh market and the clock tower.

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Comments: This is a Protestant church. The Thai man I spoke to at the church, who was a Christian, told me that quite a few farangs attend from several different countries.

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Comments: The Sunday schedule is as follows:

• 09:00 - 10:00 Morning prayer
• 10:00 - 11:30 Worship time
• 11:30 - 12:30 Bible class
• 13:30 - 15:00 Group Ministry

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Comments: This church looks just like a house, but don't be fooled by appearances. The TARDIS looked just like a police box.

It is located at the end of a small Soi a short distance from the Bangkok Hat Yai hospital.

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