The Malaysian Siamese, Siamese Malaysians or Thai Malaysians are people of full or partial Thai descent who were born in or immigrated to Malaysia. In 2014, there were nearly 70,000 people self-identifying as "Siamese" or "Thai" who hold Malaysian nationality. This number excludes those Thais living in Malaysia who do not hold Malaysian citizenship. Politically, Malaysian Siamese are recognised as Bumiputeras and are given similar status to the Malays.
Demographics
In 2000, the national statistics cited 50,211 individuals of Thai ethnicity in Malaysia. Among these, 38,353 hold Malaysian citizenship.
Culture
Most Malaysian Siamese people lead a way of life similar to the Malays. This is evident especially among the Kelantanese Siamese. One could not differentiate a Malay or a Siamese if they are not heard speaking their own language. The only distinctive mark among them is their religion and language. Otherwise Malaysian Siamese are like Malays as they also speak fluent local Malay dialects. Majority of Malaysian Siamese can read and write in Thai because there is Thai language learning and teaching in the schools which were established inside the village temples since 1943.They also often follow news in Thailand, watch Thai dramas and listen to Thai music. The Malaysian Siamese often get patronage from the state governments for their community well being. Often, temples are given generous fundings by the governments. Their community are also known for the making of traditional medicine.
Religion
The Malaysian Siamese predominantly profess to Buddhism and the predominant form of Buddhism is Theravāda Buddhism which is centred in their place of worship called Wat. The Malaysian Siamese lives are closely tied to their temples and they also have strong faith in Buddhism. Monks have a significant role to strengthen communities and encourage villagers to participate in traditional ceremonies and Buddhist rituals on important religious days like, and End of Buddhist Lent ) to preserve the Siamese-Buddhist cultural identity. Most of them settled around temples and consider them as centers for holding religious ceremonies, cultural and social activities. There also exists a small Thai-speaking Muslim minority called Samsam. However, the government has identified them under Bumiputera category and most of them have already assimilated into the Malay populace, no longer identify as Siamese.
Notable Malaysian Siamese people
Luang Pu Thuat, very popular saintly monk and is said to have performed miracles.
