Thailand and the Church of God
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2024-25
Did you know that Living Education runs a Thailand program?
Since 1957, the Church of God has been involved in Thailand, preaching the Gospel, and also opening through doors that focus on educational activities. The current director of Living Education, Mr Jonathan McNair, spent 7 years in Thailand, beginning in 1984, both teaching in the classroom and overseeing the Ambassador Foundation activities. He presented a forum to the Living Education students on the Thailand educational program, first delving into its history and then explaining how the program works now.
A Brief History:
1957- The World Tomorrow begins broadcasting from Radio Bangkok in Thailand
1968- Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA) meets King Leopold III of Belgium, who makes it possible for him to meet Thailand’s head of state
1971- HWA visits Thailand and meets King Bhumibol
1972- Sawasdi Yingyuad was hired as a Thai instructor at AC in Pasadena, California
1973- HWA meets Thailand’s Prime Minister Kittachakorn and gives a presentation in Bangkok
1974- Two AC students participate in an exchange program with Chiang Mai University
1975- HWA starts the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation to conduct cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational activities of the Church and AC
1976- HWA makes two visits with Prime Minister Seni Pramoj of Thailand
1979- Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch Ariawongsagatayan visits Ambassador College (AC) and asks Dr. Hoeh for help with refugees in the country. HWA approves the Ambassador College Educational Program in Thailand (A.C.E.P.T.) in connection with Wat Thai Los Angeles
1980- First A.C.E.P.T. group goes to Thailand- Chiang Kong
1982- HWA speaks to over 200 World Tomorrow magazine subscribers in Bangkok; HWA hosts the Supreme Patriarch at AC
1983- Two AC students are sent to Djittabhawan to teach English to monks
1984- One student continues teaching English in Djitta, Pawan, and two AC students start teaching at Wat Sakret/Wat Mahathat
1985- Two AC students start teaching at Chitralada Palace, Thailand, and three students begin to teach at Sathitchula; Thailand’s Queen Siriket visits AC
The Present:
Two years ago, Living Education began to work with our local church leaders to send student volunteers to teach English in Thailand. They served as assistant teachers in an elementary school in the northern town of Maesot, under the supervision of Mr. Htoowah Laybeh, our minister in the area. As part of their two-month stay, they also experience the flavor of Thailand through field trips planned by Mr. Laybeh.
Final Thoughts
The efforts of our volunteers who travel to Thailand to teach English continues a legacy that can goes back many decades. Through their efforts and the leadership of Mr. Htoowah Laybeh, the church is able to provide a valuable gift to Thai children and teachers, they gain experience that comes from living in a different culture, and they serve as examples of what real Christianity is all about.
