The Pak Tai of Southern Thailand, with a total population of more than 3.1 million, are one of the largest unevangelized peoples in the world. Located in Southern Thailand, just inside of the 10/40 Window, is the province of Phang Nga. With the fewest amount of Christians, the least number of churches, and fewest number of missionaries, it is the target area for YWAM's church planting effort.

Village Development
As well, the YWAM church planting team facilitates relief and development work in a Muslim village along the Phang Nga coastline that was hit by the 2004 Asian tsunami. Through building homes and providing job opportunities for people in the village, the team has built relationships and a reason for long term presence there. They have recently purchased land near the village with the vision to build an English center, small business, and Christian training center in order to maintain long term relationships in this community.

Training Center
YWAM has a vision to train and mobilize Thai Christians to establish the kingdom of God in this unreached area of the world. A School of Biblical Studies course was started in 2005 and will run once a year in Phang Nga. This program seeks to build a solid biblical foundation in every area of a student's life and ministry. Other training programs will be added in the future to bring holistic Christian training to South Thailand.

Orphanage
In cooperation with the Thai foundation, Mercy Ministries Foundation, the team has also established a children's home, Baan Santisuk, to take in abused and/or abandoned children in South Thailand.

SPECIAL NOTE: Mark and Dorien Nakatsukasa in Phang Nga are looking for long and short term staff for this orphanage. Right now they have 7 children and are looking for full time Thai (paid) staff as well as foreign (YWAM) volunteers. If you or you know someone who is interested please contact them at:

baansantisuk@gmail.com

Opportunities for Giving
We are in need of finances to continue building homes in the village as well as other building projects on the ministry's land near the village. Funds are also needed to sponsor children and for the daily operation of the Baan Santisuk orphanage. Monthly support is needed for Thai national church planting staff as well.