Our history

The movement amongst Thai people in the UK began with prayer. In 2006 two families (the Hardy’s and the Robinsons), with no Thai contacts, prayed for a full year for God to lead them to Thai people who would be open to the Christian faith. Then God lead to two Christian Thai couples, all students in Manchester. A fortnightly bible study group was started with them. This group lasted about a year after which they returned to Thailand. Before they left however they suggested the name “Network of Thai Christians (UK)”.

During this time we were invited to visit an Asian fellowship in South Shields. There we met 4 Thai Christians.  The suggestion of having a Thai fellowship group was made. So a monthly group was started. We used the Color Song hymnbook, the Sang Sawok bible study book, and prayers for each other. We also included a Thai meal, and extended fellowship time together. Over the next few years many newcomers were invited to the group, with some of these accepting the Lord.

We began to meet Thai Christians in other parts of the country too. Many were separated from the UK church (because of language and other difficulties), and a Thai fellowship group would help them to get ‘restarted’ with their faith again. In each group our aim was to build up the faith of the Thai believers, so that they in turn could reach out in turn to their non-believing Thai friends with the Gospel. As we met different Thai Christians we asked them if they also would like a monthly fellowship group. These groups were not intended to replace their attendance at a local church, but be alongside it.

During the next 5 years groups were formed in Harrogate, Carlisle, Bowness, Barrow, and Manchester in the north. Later other groups were formed in the South, namely in Chesham, Worthing, Reading, and North Edgware.  For a long time there was nothing in the Midlands, but eventually we formed groups in Birmingham, Huntingdon and W.Midlands. Not all the groups have survived – some have moved, but the majority continue strongly and well. Our aim is to see other groups established in Central London, South Wales, and other locations.

To help strengthen the faith of Thai Christians who have no group near them, we began joint fellowship days in Manchester 3 times each year. About 15 would attend each time. After 3 years we changed to having a fellowship weekend twice a year, with a great focus on bible teaching. Numbers grew to 30-35 Thai adults each time, and were much appreciated.

Later it was agreed to hold a Thai Camp in the summer of each year. Begun in 2009, the first two were held at Blaithwaite in Cumbria, and attracted 40-50 over a 4 day period. We then moved to Quinta Hall in Shropshire, and numbers grow to over 100. A preacher from Thailand is invited each year, and a full programme of bible teaching, seminars, games and cultural activities are organized. The aim has been to build up the faith and fellowship links of Thai Christians in the UK, so they are better equipped to serve the Lord.

Since 2009 we have had a Thai committee to oversee the work of NTC. Committee members are drawn from around the UK, and serve a 4 year period. The committee meets at least 3 times per year, and is responsible for all the main activities of NTC, plus sharing in the care of the members nation-wide.  NTC also has a monthly prayer sheet, San Atitan, which goes to all the members, to encourage them to pray for each other. Also NTC has its own Facebook page and website, all aimed to build up the fellowship and bonding of the membership.