Venerating Yi Koh Hong and Sian Pae Rongsi A Sino–Thai Legacy
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Abstract
Sino–Thai history is often viewed through the lens of Chinese contributions to the Thai economy and their integration into Thai society, largely shaped by nationalistic policies. This article, however, explores the religious integration of Chinese migrants, challenging the assumption that they seamlessly adopted Theravada Buddhist practices. It delves into the deliberate hybridities involved, focusing on the deification of two Chinese immigrant figures, Yi Koh Hong, a tax farmer, and Sian Pae Rongsi, a virtuous rice miller. Their enshrinement in medallions, traditionally reserved for monks, reflects a key aspect of Sino–Thai religious and cultural synthesis.
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