800 Villagers in Mueang Nan Protest Mosque Construction

[Jacob Maslow]

Protests erupt in Mueang Nan as 800 protestors voice their concern over the proposed construction of a mosque. Nan’s governor responds.

Thailand is predominately Buddhist with a mere 5 percent of the population being Muslim. The construction of a new mosque in northern Thailand, in the Nan province, sparked protests this week. Nearly 800 villagers, led by a Buddhist monk, protested the proposed construction of a mosque in Mueang Nan.

The protestors’ main concerns are that the Muslim community did not consult with them about the mosque. Villagers state that the mosque is not a necessity in northern Thailand, stating that most of the country’s Muslims live in South Thailand. Fears that there is a hidden agenda behind the proposed construction were voiced. Protestors believe that the mosque may cause unrest and violence in Thailand.

A proposed site for the mosque is just two kilometers from a Buddhist temple. Members of the Buddhist community are concerned that a clash in lifestyle and culture will result if the mosque is built. Currently, the local Muslim committee has not had a hearing since January on the planned construction.

The Muslim community has a strong argument for the construction. While only 60 Muslims live in Nan, the nearest mosque is 130 kilometers away. The community also stated that a mosque would greatly benefit the local economy. Tourists that visit the city are often Muslim, and the proposed mosque would lure more foreigners to Nan as a result.

Thailand accepts Islam as well as other faiths in the country. Some members of the community are stressing their displeasure with the protests. These community members believe that the protestors are going to cause segregation within the community and do not promote peace.

The governor of Nan, Ukrit Puengsopha, suggests that the Muslim community create a balasah, or a temporary place of worship, instead. Ukrit explains that when the Muslim faith grows in the region, the balasah can be upgraded into a bigger mosque to accommodate followers.

-- 2015-03-06

[siam2007]

If some people want to build a church at rural areas of Indonesia, the local Muslim population reacts different. They will just burn down the supposed church and assault or even kill those who want to erect and use it (as has happened more than once on Java island)

[billd766]

Religeon.

Litlle to be said in favour of ANY religeon.

[winstonc]

stop it before it starts ..the disease will spread its ugly wings very quickly .....

[96tehtarp]

"The governor of Nan, Ukrit Puengsopha, suggests that the Muslim community create a balasah, or a temporary place of worship, instead."

I like the sound of the governor's suggestion. I'd also like to know where the funding for this proposed grand mosque in Nan is coming from.

[smedly]

While only 60 Muslims live in Nan

who is paying for it ? and will it ultimately mean a migration from the troubled south to the north and possibly more of the same there

muslims by there own actions are becoming very very unpopular

[fxe1200]

The point is the sound level. Five times a day pressure chamber loudspeakers will call for prayer. This is a major disturbance, or sound pollution. Today there are Apps to remind a Muslim, when to pray, and I do not mind the Muezzin singing from the top of a mosque. But these speakers are a pain in the butt. Those should be forbidden by law.

[bangon04]

"Ukrit explains that when the Muslim faith grows in the region, the balasah can be upgraded into a bigger mosque to accommodate followers."

so something to look forward to for the locals.

Edited March 6, 2015 by bangon04

[96tehtarp]

"Ukrit explains that when the Muslim faith grows in the region, the balasah can be upgraded into a bigger mosque to accommodate followers."

so something to look forward to for the locals.

I interpreted the when - as- if.

Nevertheless, if the Grand Mosque of Nan is built more Muslims will come.

Edited March 6, 2015 by 96tehtarp

[Doc46]

If some people want to build a church at rural areas of Indonesia, the local Muslim population reacts different. They will just burn down the supposed church and assault or even kill those who want to erect and use it (as has happened more than once on Java island)

Maybe Buddhists should take heed of that and clean up the country !!

[Alfa]

About the sound from a temple.

I lived near a Buddhist temple a while ago. That time 1 hole week they had very high " music" torture sound with low frequency sound, EVERY NIGHT UNTIL 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, FROM 7 O'CLOCK IN THE EVENING. When I asked why is that , they told me the temple has to earn some money, that's why they rent it out.

to fxe1200 , this should be forbidden by law.

in a Buddha temple , 10-15 hertz frequency sound, where the America use this in war to hammer the enemies heads and give them pain at nights at the war front..... This should be forbidden by law... Not to call muslims to pray 5 times a day 3-4 minutes each time from a Mosque.

Of course I had to leave my house near the Buddha temple and moved away. And never want to go to near a Buddha temple again.

That's my experience.

[96tehtarp]

About the sound from a temple.

I lived near a Buddhist temple a while ago. That time 1 hole week they had very high " music" torture sound with low frequency sound, EVERY NIGHT UNTIL 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, FROM 7 O'CLOCK IN THE EVENING.

Thanks for bringing that up. When I lived in Europe I lived next to a Christian church with bells chiming at all sundry hours calling to the faithful.

I pity anyone who lives near all three at once; a mosque, a Christian church, and a Buddhist temple. Jeepers creepers.

Edited March 6, 2015 by 96tehtarp

[Scott]

Off-topic, inflammatory posts and replies removed.

[TheFishman1]

Don't let them build it

[jdinasia]

Thailand has laws regarding the freedom of religion and beliefs.

These are Thai people and they have the right to worship.

[Johnny S]

If you build it they will come ... and when they are many enough the trouble will start and not end until all on one side are dead

[jdinasia]

If you build it they will come ... and when they are many enough the trouble will start and not end until all on one side are dead

You are ignoring Islam has been in Thailand for a long time and that these are Thai people you are discussing.

[razer]

I think this is a very long term strategic move. I feel sure there is non-Thai Muslim support behind this.

[jdinasia]

I think this is a very long term strategic move. I feel sure there is non-Thai Muslim support behind this.

?

Are you basing this on how readily Thai people convert? Both Islam and Christianity have been here for a long time. The numbers are not growing.

The Thai people wanting a place of worship that is convenient to them are well within their rights.

[winstonc]

About the sound from a temple.

I lived near a Buddhist temple a while ago. That time 1 hole week they had very high " music" torture sound with low frequency sound, EVERY NIGHT UNTIL 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, FROM 7 O'CLOCK IN THE EVENING. When I asked why is that , they told me the temple has to earn some money, that's why they rent it out.

to fxe1200 , this should be forbidden by law.

in a Buddha temple , 10-15 hertz frequency sound, where the America use this in war to hammer the enemies heads and give them pain at nights at the war front..... This should be forbidden by law... Not to call muslims to pray 5 times a day 3-4 minutes each time from a Mosque.

Of course I had to leave my house near the Buddha temple and moved away. And never want to go to near a Buddha temple again.

That's my experience.

if there so into it why do they need reminding 5 times a day...

[winstonc]

If you build it they will come ... and when they are many enough the trouble will start and not end until all on one side are dead

You are ignoring Islam has been in Thailand for a long time and that these are Thai people you are discussing.

its a thai forum who else are we talking about.......

[masuk]

The point is the sound level. Five times a day pressure chamber loudspeakers will call for prayer. This is a major disturbance, or sound pollution. Today there are Apps to remind a Muslim, when to pray, and I do not mind the Muezzin singing from the top of a mosque. But these speakers are a pain in the butt. Those should be forbidden by law.

AGREED! ABOVE ALL, ensure that a contract is drawn up restricting calls to prayer to traditional methods, NOT multiple loud speakers.

[jdinasia]

The point is the sound level. Five times a day pressure chamber loudspeakers will call for prayer. This is a major disturbance, or sound pollution. Today there are Apps to remind a Muslim, when to pray, and I do not mind the Muezzin singing from the top of a mosque. But these speakers are a pain in the butt. Those should be forbidden by law.

AGREED! ABOVE ALL, ensure that a contract is drawn up restricting calls to prayer to traditional methods, NOT multiple loud speakers.

I have lived near mosques in 3 countries and in 3 different places in Thailand. I have never had any issues with the noise level. I rather enjoy the Adhan. I know other people have different experience.

I have lived near temples here and have had issues with noise but infrequently. I live with it

[bangon04]

If some people want to build a church at rural areas of Indonesia, the local Muslim population reacts different. They will just burn down the supposed church and assault or even kill those who want to erect and use it (as has happened more than once on Java island)

Maybe Buddhists should take heed of that and clean up the country !!

you mean the same as the good Buddhists in Myanmar.....?

[darhut]

Maybe the money to build the mosque could be better spent cleaning up their own religion (Isis) first. But that is not going to happen is it. I'm starting to wonder if there is such a thing as a moderate muslim. Taqiyya.

[simple1]

Maybe the money to build the mosque could be better spent cleaning up their own religion (Isis) first. But that is not going to happen is it. I'm starting to wonder if there is such a thing as a moderate muslim. Taqiyya.

Radical Islam has a very small foot print in Thailand. If you ever get to personally know Thai Muslims you will generally experience friendly and honest people, together with so called "moderate Islam".

On the subject of Taqiyya do you really believe this practice, i.e. deception / misinformation, is unique to the Islamic community and not utlised in the non Muslim world; especially in politics?

[louse1953]

If you build it they will come ... and when they are many enough the trouble will start and not end until all on one side are dead

Bs,as usual.

[godden]

The words boot and backside come to mind.

[96tehtarp]

Maybe the money to build the mosque could be better spent cleaning up their own religion (Isis) first. But that is not going to happen is it. I'm starting to wonder if there is such a thing as a moderate muslim. Taqiyya.

Radical Islam has a very small foot print in Thailand. If you ever get to personally know Thai Muslims you will generally experience friendly and honest people, together with so called "moderate Islam".

On the subject of moderate see here.

[Ace of Pop]