Church of Christ in Thailand

The Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) — in Thai, สภาคริสตจักรในประเทศไทย — is the largest Protestant denomination in Thailand and one of the country’s most established Christian institutions.

Origins and History

The roots of the CCT trace back to 1828, when the London Missionary Society sent the first Protestant missionaries to Siam. American Presbyterian missionaries followed in the 1830s and 1840s, and by the close of the 19th century, the Presbyterian Church in the USA carried the bulk of Protestant mission work in the country. In 1934, these efforts formally united to form the Church in Siam, which was later renamed the Church of Christ in Thailand. By 1976, the CCT had become a fully self-governing Thai church, though missionaries from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and increasingly from other Asian countries, continue to support its work.

Structure and Membership

The CCT is governed under its 1998 constitution and operates across three levels: the General Assembly, regional churches, and local congregations. It reports more than 1,000 churches, church plants, and preaching points nationwide, with membership estimated at well over 150,000. Tribal congregations, many with Baptist roots, account for roughly half of that number, reflecting the CCT’s strong presence among hill-tribe communities in northern Thailand alongside its urban congregations in Bangkok and other major cities.

Institutions and Community Work

  • Two universities and two theological seminaries, training clergy and lay leaders
  • A network of hospitals providing medical care, including services for underserved communities
  • Around 30 schools across the country
  • Social and community development work, including support for hill-tribe communities and refugees

The CCT is a member of the World Council of Churches and the Christian Conference of Asia, and has historically played host to regional ecumenical gatherings in Thailand.

Headquarters: 328 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400

Website: www.cct.or.th