Population Overview

The Indian community in Thailand has deep historical roots. As of 2024, the population of Indians in Thailand stands at 2.10 lakh, making up approximately 2% of the expatriate population. According to the Thai Census, about 65,000 Indian Thais hold full Thai citizenship. However, broader estimates suggest that around 400,000 persons of Indian origin reside in Thailand, primarily in urban areas.

Origins and Migration

The majority of Indians in Thailand are descendants of those who migrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. While many came from Tamil Nadu and other parts of Southern India, others hailed from Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in Northern India.

Buddhism and Hinduism, which are integral to Thai culture, originally spread from India centuries ago, reflecting the enduring connection between the two countries.

Regions with Significant Indian Populations

• Bangkok
• Pattaya
• Chiang Mai
• Phuket

Historical Perspective

India’s ties with Thailand date back around 2,500 years, when Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries (Bhikkhus) to Suvarnabhumi. Over time, Indian priests, traders, and ordinary people found a welcoming environment in Thailand. Evidence of a significant Indian presence during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods has been recorded by Western travelers visiting Thai courts.

The contemporary Indian migration largely began after 1920, with some groups tracing their arrival to the early 19th century. Linguistic and cultural diversity marked the migration:

• Punjabis, Sindhis, Parsees, Gujarati Sunnis, Dawoodi Bohras, Tamils, Pathans, and Bengalis have unique migration stories.
• Most Indian immigrants came voluntarily, primarily engaging in commerce, while only a few worked in labor-intensive roles.

Little India: Pahurat District

The Pahurat district in Bangkok, often referred to as “Little India,” is a bustling fabric market and the hub of the Indian commercial community, dominated by Sikhs. Inter-ethnic marriages among early Indian migrants, such as Dawoodi Bohra Muslims and Tamil Hindus, have contributed to the indigenization of their traditions and institutions. The Mariamman Temple stands as a symbol of Hindu-Thai-Sino religious syncretism.

Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle

The Indian community in Thailand also played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement. A unit of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) was established in Thailand, with local volunteers joining the cause. Netaji himself spent a brief period in Thailand, hosted by the Indian community.

Remembering Indian Soldiers

The Kanchanaburi Memorial at the War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), honors 11 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War II while constructing the railway. Many conscripted Indian laborers also toiled under harsh conditions on this railway.