How Thai Prisoners are Learning About Jesus

It’s easy to forget that some of the most powerful words in the Bible were written from a prison cell. When Paul wrote letters from behind bars, he didn’t see chains — he saw a chance for Christ to be known. That same hope is alive today in the prisons of Thailand.

Mr. Suthep felt hopeless to the point of considering suicide when he tried to fight his drug addiction in the Phetchaburi Central Prison in Thailand. But everything changed when he enrolled in FEBC’s Bible Correspondence Course. 

As he made his way through scripture, Mr. Suthep saw the hope found in Jesus. “The course made me realize the need to repent,” he said, “and I have been changed by God’s word.” 

Reaching the most vulnerable

In a nation where nearly 94% of the population is Buddhist and only 1.3% identify as Christian, stories like Mr. Suthep’s give us hope. We’re reminded that the Gospel can change everything, especially when it reaches the most vulnerable places. Thankfully, your partnership is helping us do just that.

More than 2,700 people in Thailand are active in our Bible Correspondence Course. When someone signs up for the course, they receive free resources in the mail that help them read and understand the Bible. Our local team has developed relationships within the Thai prison system that allow us to offer the course to those imprisoned. 

Dark places are becoming beacons of light

Mr. Suthep recently told us that “Jesus Christ has filled my heart so much…He was willing and pleased to carry away all of my mistakes.” The good news is he’s not alone. 

More than 30 people gather weekly at the Phetchaburi Central Prison to worship, with one of them being Mr. Bunpote. 

When Mr. Bunpote became a Christian, he started telling his testimony every day to others in prison. “Many people have converted and repented,” he told us. At 40 years old, Mr. Bunpote has a heart for investing in new and young Believers, often asking our FEBC team for more resources to keep up with people who are interested in Christianity. 

Direct correspondence with our local team allows us to go beyond broadcasting to building relationships. We can stay close to the listener, even in prisons. Mr. Danchai in the Khao Bin Central Prison told us that FEBC’s letters “give him encouragement to keep fighting.” He also went through our Bible Correspondence Course and continues to encourage his fellow inmates to do the same. Because of his faith, he now views even his work as a barber in prison through a new lens. When talking about cutting hair, he said, “I consider this work to be another piece of work in serving God.” His story is just one of many reminding us that the Gospel can change everything. 

We’re hopeful for revival in Thailand because of the work God is doing in the most unseen places. That’s how God works. He often begins in the places the world forgets. And through your prayers and support, we’re seeing that revival take root in the hearts of those in prison, one life at a time. Thank you for helping us bring the hope of Jesus to where it’s needed most.

Fast Facts:

• FEBC began broadcasting to Thailand in 1951
• Today, FEBC broadcasts on 32 stations in Thailand, covering 17 ethnic languages