Adventist Church Approves Creation of Northeastern Thailand Region
May 7, 2025, 6:26 AM
Situated in a predominantly Buddhist country, the Adventist Church in Thailand continues to face significant challenges in reaching local communities with the message of hope. In response to this ongoing need, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) took a decisive step to strengthen its mission impact and administrative effectiveness. During the Midyear Meetings on May 6, 2025, church leaders approved the reorganization of the Thailand Mission (TAM), leading to the creation of a new church entity—the Northeastern Thailand Region (NTR).
The recommendation to split the Thailand Mission into two territories marks a strategic response to the growing need for localized church leadership, focused mission strategies, and improved pastoral care in the region.
The restructured Thailand Mission will now serve the central, southern, and northern provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Songkhla. Meanwhile, the newly established Northeastern Thailand Region will encompass 20 provinces, such as Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani—areas known for their cultural richness and diverse religious landscape.
“This reorganization is not just administrative—it is missional,” said Pastor Khamsay Phetchareun, director of the Center for Adventist-Buddhist Relations in the General Conference. “This restructuring will help reach communities in Thailand that have not yet been fully engaged with the gospel.”
Organizational Framework Until 2028
To ensure smooth operations and a focused mission strategy, the Northeastern Thailand Region will begin with a streamlined administrative structure. The leadership team will consist of three executive officers, each entrusted with multiple departmental responsibilities. Supporting them will be two department directors, with the inclusion of at least one female leader. The administrative core will also include an accountant, an accountant who will double as a cashier, and an administrative assistant. This foundational structure aims to foster efficiency, nurture future leaders, and strengthen the Church’s engagement with communities across the northeastern provinces.
Financial and Asset Allocation
As part of the reorganization, asset distribution will follow a fair approach based on audited financial statements for 2025. The Thailand Mission will retain 85% of the distributable assets, while the Northeastern Thailand Region will receive 15%.
A Step Toward Deeper Mission Impact
The move to reorganize reflects the Adventist Church’s commitment to fulfilling the gospel commission by adapting its structure to meet the unique needs of each region. The northeastern provinces of Thailand, while culturally rich and deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, offer vast opportunities for personal evangelism, health ministries, and education initiatives.
As the Adventist Church continues to grow in Southeast Asia, leaders believe that smaller, focused administrative units like NTR will allow for greater agility in responding to local mission needs.
“Our mission is to bring hope to every corner of Thailand,” said Pastor Somchai Chuenjit. “This reorganization allows us to be closer to the people, more responsive to their needs, and more faithful in our calling to share Jesus.”
The new structure is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, with a goal to nurture new leaders, strengthen church communities, and expand the Adventist message in the heart of Thailand’s northeast.
by Edward Rodriguez | May 6, 2025
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
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