Malay Exiles in Central Thailand

ABSTRACT This short article presents provisional findings that shed new light on both the cultural geography of Islam in Thailand, and northern extremities of the Malay world. An analysis of mosques officially registered in Thailand reveals that 10% are located in Central Thailand. Half of these are part of metropolitan Bangkok, and 74% of these are concentrated on its eastern districts along the Saen Saep Canal. I summarise the picture provided by Thai studies specialists who have documented the dates, origins, and circumstances of the (mainly involuntary) movement of Malays to Central Thailand, central Bangkok, and (later) to its eastern outskirts. This is followed by discussions of Siamese practices such as the taking of all slaves (chalei), and the organisation of labour under the sakdina system.