Thailand

We are the Dawoodi Bohra community of Thailand

The Dawoodi Bohra community has long and significant historical connections with the Indochina region, not least Siam. Early settlers arrived in the mid-19th century from the cities of Ahmedabad and Madras (Chennai) to engage in the trade of textiles, stationery and household items.

Historical sources suggest that the Dawoodi Bohras were among the various religious communities who came from India in search of better prospects. The Anglo-Siamese treaty of 1855 paved the way for migrants to set up permanent residence in the region. Even today the eateries, temples, gurdwaras, masjids, and the iconic Phahurat textile market are a testament to the Indian heritage and culture brought by its settlers to this region.

The Dawoodi Bohra community’s centre of activity is the Saifee Masjid in Bangkok which was built in 1907. On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the masjid’s design is said to be inspired by a Dawoodi Bohra masjid in the city of Bharuch, West India.

His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin was warmly received by the country’s Prime Minister and Sheikhul Islam upon his visit in 1953. His son and successor, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin accompanied his father for his maiden trip and later visited the country in (). The current leader of the community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin made a brief stop-over at the airport where he interacted with community members while returning to India from his trip to Indonesia.

The Dawoodi Bohras today continue to stay true to their ancestors’ legacy of faithful adherence, economic progression and peaceful coexistence in their respective locales. The community plays an important role in the activities of the Indian Diaspora and has fostered warm relations with the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT), currently led by Mr. Arun Boonchom, the Sheikhul lslam of Thailand.

In order to continue building bridges of understanding and appreciation, community members accompanied a delegation from the CICOT and the Islamic Committee of Thailand to India, for a tour of prominent Dawoodi Bohra centres and to meet His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, in 2022. Leading the delegation, Mr Samai Charoenchang thanked His Holiness on their behalf and prayed for the community’s continued prosperity under His Holiness’ guidance. He also extended an invitation to visit Thailand.