The Identity of Thai Sikhs in the Southern Gulf of Thailand Region

Abstract

The research aimed to 1) study the lifestyle and adaptation of Thai Sikhs in the southern Gulf of Thailand region; and 2) explore the identity of Thai Sikhs in the southern Gulf of Thailand region. This qualitative research gathered data through in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, including community leaders, religious leaders, and Thai Sikhs in Songkhla and Surat Thani provinces. The collected data was analyzed and presented in a descriptive format.
The results show that:
1. The lifestyle of Thai Sikhs in the southern Gulf of Thailand stems from migration into parts of Songkhla and Surat Thani provinces. The Songkhla group, with long-established roots, mostly engage in the textile trade. In contrast, the Surat Thani group, which settled later, primarily work as tailors. Their lifestyle is also shown through daily religious practices, living according to teachings and practices, and the use of the Punjabi language in religious ceremonies. However, integration with the local community has led to some changes— the Thai Sikhs no longer keep uncut hair or beards and wear turbans only in Sikh temples. Additionally, they often have two official names: a religious Punjabi name and a Thai legal name, making social interaction and business with locals easier.
2. The identity of Thai Sikhs in the southern Gulf of Thailand reflects a blend of Sikh traditions passed down by their ancestors with adaptations to the local southern society. This includes speaking Standard Thai with local dialect endings and using the southern Thai dialect, adjusting the flavor of Indian food to resemble southern Thai cuisine, and dressing appropriately for the climate—some men go shirtless in summer, and more women wear short-sleeved tops. They also take part in interfaith ceremonies and southern Thai traditions to foster harmony in a multicultural society. As a result, Thai Sikhs in this region have a distinct identity from those in other parts of Thailand.