Malaysian Siamese G6

MALAYSIAN NATIONHOOD STUDIES (SADN1033)
SEMESTER A212 / Group A

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

TITLE:
Malaysian Siamese (Backround, Traditional House, Funeral Ceremony Custom)

PREPARED FOR:
Dr. Rashidah Binti Mamat

DATE OF SUBMISSION
15 June 2022

PREPARED BY: MATRIC
267018
Group 6 274869
283680
NO NAME 283935
1 Kamilah Tasya Athiyah
2 Zhang Zhaokai
3 Muhammad Ilyasa
4 Harahap Tsaniasnaini Habibah

TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Background .......................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Demographic........................................................................................................................ 3

3.1 Culture...................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Religion.................................................................................................................... 4
4.0 Traditional House...................................................................................................................
5.0 Funeral Ceremony Custom
5.1 Introduction to Funeral Culture .................................................................................
5.2 Funeral Customs with National Characteristics.........................................................

5.2.1 Bathing Ceremony ...................................................................................
5.2.2 Chanting Ceremony .................................................................................
5.2.3 Cremation Ceremony ...............................................................................
5.3 The Influence of Buddhist Thought on Funeral Customs..........................................
6.0 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................
References ....................................................................................................................................

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1.0 Introduction
Malaysia is a country in the form of a federal constitutional monarchy consisting of

several states (states) with territories in Southeast Asia. This country is divided into two
parts, West Malaysia or what is commonly called Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia,
most of which are integrated with the Indonesian state, precisely on the island of Borneo
and Brunei.
2.0 Background

Siam Malaysia is a nickname for Malaysians of Thai ethnicity and are recognized as
Bumiputera (Wikipedia, 2022). Malaysian Siamese are people of full or partial Thai
descent and Thai people born in Malaysia or migrated to Malaysia. The Siamese
population is mostly found in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2000, national
statistics stated that of the 50,211 ethnic Siamese in Malaysia, 76.4% were Malaysian
citizens and lived in rural parts of the north, such as Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, and Perlis,
which are close and directly adjacent to Thailand. Although the majority of Siamese are
Malaysian citizens, they do not have the same rights as native Malaysians. For example,
in the case of buying and selling land. Siamese cannot accept or buy a piece of land
reserved for indigenous Malaysians, but they can retain ownership of the land inherited by
their ancestors (THALANG, 2015). However, Siamese can enjoy more privileges than
other ethnic groups, such as Indians and Chinese, in terms of government regulation and
support.

Siam Malaysia is divided into two religious’ - Buddhists and Muslims. Most of them
usually adhere to Buddhism to maintain their culture, customs, and beliefs. But not a few
also adhere to the Muslim religion. Usually, Siamese Muslims tend to mingle with local
Malays and no longer identify themselves as Siamese (IPL, 2022). Siamese is also
generally active in politics in northern Malaysia and beyond. This is evidenced by the

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election of Tunku Abdul Rahman (a Siamese) as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia after
independence in 1957.
3.0 Demographic

In 2000, the national statistics cited 50,211 individuals of Siamese ethnicity in
Malaysia. Among these, 38,353 (or 76.4%) hold Malaysian citizenship. Former Malayan
towns refer to dominion or the territory of a sovereign of Thailand (Siam) located in the
lower part of Malaya. These towns were called 'Muangkhaek' according to the body of the
royal letter, they mean some of the people living in the southern parts of Thailand;
Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, or Saiburee, and Perlis State, including Pulau Penang, a
part of Kedah. Most of these people believe in Ismailism.

Malaysians of Thai heritage, sometimes called Siamese, are Southern Thais who have
lived in Malaysia for a long time. With the continuous settlement in these areas, they later
became one of the tribes in the states of Saiburi, Perlis, and Kelantan in Perak's north of
the country. Penang is home to a wide variety of people, some mixed with indigenous
people. These individuals have remained in Malaysia since the country was handed to
England. According to the poll, the Siamese in Malaysia still practice Thai cultural
practices from the past, as well as the distinct language and religion that distinguishes
them from Malayans (Lertkrai & Nilkarn, 2016).

The Malaysian government's claims of the Siamese based on the Buddhist attitude to
peace as a negotiating tactic were effective. Tai ethnic groups in Malaysia have
maintained their identity for millennia despite racial, religious, and cultural diversity. In
general, the Siamese people's manner of life is still quite similar to that of most Thais in
Thailand, in that they are agriculturalists and Buddhists and use the Thai language to
interact in everyday life (Lertkrai, Monliang, & Jitkla, 2016).

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3.1 Culture
The Malaysian Siamese community is similar to the cultural region along

Malay Peninsula. Community activity, ethnolinguistic identity, and languages
spoken by Malaysian Siamese are similar to communities in fourteen provinces of
Southern Thailand and the southernmost of Burma community. The Malaysian
Siamese lead a way of life similar to other Malaysian-Malays. Malaysian Siamese
still has the firm belief and practices of Buddhism, while the Malaysian-Malays
has the adoption of Islam in the 14th century, established in the Sultanate of
Malacca. The Malaysian Siamese well known in the northernmost of Malaysia is
Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Penang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. One could not
differentiate a Malay or a Siamese if they are not spoken their mother tongue. The
only distinctive mark among them is their religion and language. Otherwise,
Malaysian Siamese is like Malays as they speak fluent local Malay dialects. The
majority of Malaysian Siamese can read and write in Thai because there is Thai
language learning and teaching in the schools, established inside the village
temples since 1943. They also often follow the news in Thailand, watch Thai
dramas and listen to Thai music. The Malaysian Siamese often get patronage from
the state governments for their community's well-being. Usually, temples are
given generous funding by Thailand's government. Their community is also
known for the making of traditional medicine.
3.2 Religion

The Malaysian Siamese predominantly profess Buddhism, and the
predominant form of Buddhism is centered in their place of worship called Wat.
The Malaysian Siamese's lives are closely tied to their temples (Wat), and they
have strong faith in Buddhism. Monks have a significant role in strengthening

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communities and encouraging villagers to participate in traditional ceremonies and
Buddhist rituals on critical religious days like (Uposatha Days, Magha Puja,
Visakha Puja, Buddist Lent (Vassa), and End of Buddhist lent (Katrina)) to
preserve the Siamese-Buddhist cultural identity. Most settled around temples and
considered them centers for holding religious ceremonies and cultural and social
activities.

There also exists a small Thai-speaking Muslim minority called Samsam.
However, the government has identified them under the Bumiputera (specifically
Malay) category, and most have already assimilated into the Malay populace, no
longer identifying as Siamese. The introduction of Siamese law into the Muslim
area resulted in dualism legislation, as seen in Pattani, Raman, and Rangae
Province, but Nongchik solely uses Siamese law. The presence of Siamese law
had minimal impact on the emergence of Islamic law. This is due to the Muslim
Malay community's preference for traditional dispute resolution. The Pattani
community's traditional litigation models include oaths, mediation by traditional
elders, and official jurisdiction by local authorities. The majority of community
problems are handled through mediation or negotiation. If the situation cannot be
resolved, it is outsourced to the penghulu or maekong (Chonlaworn, 2014: 534).
4.0 Traditional House
Malaysian Siamese or Thai Malaysians have the same traditional house, called Ruean
Thai or Thai House is a public collection of vernacular architectural styles used
throughout Thailand's many regions. Thai homes are typically made of bamboo or wood,
are built on stilts, and have a steep gabled roof. Houses in each area of Thailand have
various styles that represent the people's way of life, such as social and cultural beliefs,
religious rituals, and jobs. The houses are frequently built without metal, including nails,

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using renewable natural resources such as lumber and bamboo. Instead, pre-cut slots and
grooves are utilized to join the timber parts, making it a 'prefabricated house.'

The style of the house of each region has its differences;
1. Central Thai traditional house style

In the central area of Thailand, stilt homes are classified into five varieties.
The first type is the single home, a stilt house for a single-family with a bedroom
and a kitchen. The second kind is a group home, a stilt house with at least two
buildings in the exact location. The official residence or stilt house is the next
category for government officers. Stilt homes designed for commerce are known
as "pathway store" and "waterfront" store stilt houses. The fourth kind is the raft
home, constructed near a river or the seaside.

In the center region, the stilt home building is the most common and has a very
plain appearance. The most notable structure is the high gable roof, which has a
form similar to the sun's halo in its center and allows cooking smoke to escape. In
addition, the long overhanging eaves can provide shade from the sun or rain. The
large patio outside the house is ideal for summer entertaining. Furthermore, a
more significant component is the high open area under the house, which is
supported by several poles. This area is used for storing tools or agricultural
equipment, parking, having meals, and other activities.

Thap Khwan Residence and garden, one of the residence in Sanam Chan Palace, Nakhon
Pathom.

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2. North-eastern Thai traditional house style

The stilt cottages in this region were created based on the length of stay. The
first kind is a temporary dwelling for farmers, built on a platform repaired from
old wood during harvest season. The durability of this house is only approximately
2–3 years, and it is a basic structure that can be quickly torn down. The walls were
open on all four sides and were made of bamboo. The "half permanent dwelling"
is an addition to the main house structure. The extra section is divided into three
styles: one with a roof that overlaps a rice storage structure, one that is distinct
from the main house with all stilts buried into the earth, and one with a central
pole that ends at the beam but is not tied to the soil. The last kind is a "permanent
house," which comes in three varieties: an overlap house, twin style house, and a
single house. Every stilt home had a few tiny windows and just one front entrance,
and the inside was darker than the other stilt houses. Specific constructions are
comparable to the stilt homes found in the northern region, such as a gabled roof
with a sun halo form and roof tiles made of baked clay.
3. Northern Thai traditional house style

Northern Thailand has three types of stilt dwellings. The oldest variety, RUEN
KHRUNG PHOOK or RUEN MAI BUA (meeting house with rope), arose in the
countryside. The constructions are constructed out of a grass-woven ceiling,
bamboo floors and walls, and rope-tied bamboo walls (PHOOK). The basic
construction is built of sturdy wood poles and beams. The strongest stilt buildings
are in the second category, which is a "genuine wood house." This kind features
two roof types. KALEA home, an old LAN-NA type with a cross of wood in the
shape of a V or X on the top front. The second roof style is known as "wind spaces

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home," and the building was inspired by the central area with a high roof with the
halo of the sun amid a gabled roof, and the roof tiles are manufactured from baked
clay in a fish scale pattern. The final form is a RAMA 5 "middle period home,"
which was enhanced from a basic LAN-NA house with more sophisticated layers
on the roof and more holes in the walls to construct the doors and windows. It is
ornamented with dyed wood, an influence from western countries that dealt with
Thailand at the period, such as France or England.

A building group in adapted northern Thai style, at Thawan Duchanee's
house in Chiang Rai. Note the kalae roof decorations above the gable.

4. Southern Thai traditional house style
Southern stilt homes are classified into three types: RUEN KHRUENG
PHOOK (Meetinghouse with rope), plank, and masonry. The roof structure and
stilts on cement poles are distinguishing features of the southern region's stilt
dwellings. The weather in the south of Thailand is constantly wet, with frequent
typhoons. Thus, the home must be more robust than in other areas. The southern
stilt house's construction is likewise distinctive. The walls are composed of layers
of wood boards, the windows are tiny, with mortise and tension joints instead of
nails, and the gable roof is lower than in other locations. Other nations impacted
three different roof types. To begin, the gable roof adheres to the fundamental

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style. Depending on the owner's position, the tiles are formed of grass, baked clay,
or rhomboid tiles. If the owner is of high standing, the roof will be ornamented
with carved wood. The PANYA or LIMA roof style was influenced by Indonesian
and Malaysian design. This roof is extremely resistant to storms. The roof slopes
are trapezoidal. The last type is a Brann's or Manila roof. This roof was
constructed by combining a gable roof and a PANYA roof. The top section of this
roof is a gable roof, while the bottom part is a PANYA roof, and the trapezoidal
roof supports the top position. Many Muslims in southern Thailand have Manila
roofs, topped with a cylinder of carved wood.

5.0 Funeral Ceremony Custom
Malaysian Siamese, or Malaysians of Thai origin, are ethnic minorities living in the

northern states of Malaysia for a long time. Its language, culture and religious beliefs are
highly similar to those of southern Thailand. Their also lives in Malaysia, but it is not
assimilated by the local Islamic civilization and still retains strong Buddhist beliefs.
Therefore, the Malaysian Siamese still maintain strong consistency and high similarity
with the traditional Thais in terms of daily habits and cultural language, which is also
reflected in the funeral customs. Funeral customs are also an important part of the cultural
characteristics of Malaysian Siamese.

The funeral customs of the Siamese in Malaysia have strong national culture and
Buddhist characteristics, and at the same time have a strong degree of recognition, which
is an important part of Malaysian multiculturalism. After hundreds of years of continuous
development, it has absorbed and integrated the local cultural characteristics of Malaysia,
while greatly preserving the traditional Thai Buddhist funeral culture.

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5.1 Introduction to Funeral Culture
Malaysian Siamese and traditional Thais maintain a high degree of similarity,

which is reflected in maintaining a high degree of strong Buddhist beliefs. At the
same time, the funeral customs of the Siamese in Malaysia also have strong
Buddhist thoughts and traditions.

Figure5.1.1 Crematorium with Thai characteristics

Malaysian Siamese believe in Buddhism and have a strong idea of
reincarnation in traditional Buddhism, and they think that the death of their loved
ones is a rebirth in another sense. Therefore, the funeral of the Siamese in
Malaysia is particularly grand and formal, while retaining the traditional way of
cremation.

The funeral of Siamese in Malaysia has complex procedures and unique
customs, which can be understood as a well-planned ceremony. In the traditional
sense, funerals last for a long time and usually last for more than 7 days.
Cremation is the most exciting part of the funeral, which can be divided into pre-
funeral, during-funeral and post-funeral.Before the funeral begins, Siamese

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usually store the bodies of their relatives at home for about a week, so that distant
relatives and friends can have enough time to attend the funeral, as well as
traditional bathing ceremonies.

In the real sense of the funeral ceremony, the most important thing is the
cremation of the body, accompanied by the chanting ceremony, which is a grand
and religious process. After the funeral, the most important thing is to collect the
cremated ashes and keep them in special urns.

Figure 5.1.2 Traditional buddhist funeral

Thus it can be seen that the funeral process of the Siamese in Malaysia is very
Buddhist, and it also contains the idea of reincarnation in Buddhism. The
traditional Buddhist funeral process can clearly reflect that as Malaysian Siamese
living in a foreign land still maintain the original tradition, but also reflect the
diversity of Malaysian culture.
5.2 Funeral Customs with National Characteristics

Through the introduction of the previous chapter, we can know that the
Malaysian Siamese still maintain a unique funeral custom. So which funeral
customs are unique and of great significance? This chapter will focus on several
funeral customs with strong national characteristics.

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5.2.1 Bathing Ceremony
The bathing ceremony is an important step before the Siamese

funeral, which aims to wash away the misfortunes of the dead and
ensure that the dead can be happy in another world. At the same time, a
coconut oil lamp should be lit in front of the deceased's feet during the
bath. Buddhists believe that this can guide the return of the dead and
lead the dead to the direction of light.

Figure 5.2.1 Traditional buddhist bathing ritual

The shower ceremony is not only a high respect for the dead,
but also a wish for a better life in the afterlife of the deceased. This
funeral custom has a strong Buddhist thought, which expresses the
reverence for the supremacy of life and embodies the reincarnation
thought of Buddhism. This custom originated from the funerals of
traditional Thai monks, and later because of the gradual spread of
Buddhist ideas, ordinary Thais influenced by Buddhist ideas also
gradually adopted this funeral custom, and gradually preserved to this
day. The Siamese in Malaysia, as a nation deeply influenced by
Buddhism, are also preserved and used to this day.

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5.2.2 Chanting Ceremony
As a nation with a strong belief in Buddhism, the funeral

customs of the Siamese in Malaysia are naturally inseparable from the
existence of chanting rituals. The chanting ceremony is not only a
strong expression of the Buddhist belief of the deceased and his family,
but also a review and forgiveness of the mistakes made by the deceased
before his death. This funeral custom is usually presided over by
Buddhist monks, who forgive the dead by reciting scriptures. At the
same time, it can also convey the thoughts and respect of family and
friends for the deceased.

The chanting ceremony requires not only the presided over
monks, but also relatives and friends who come to mourn at the scene
to participate in the chanting ceremony to express deep condolences for
the dead and best wishes for the reincarnation world after death. This is
the most religious ceremony in Siamese funeral customs, and it is also
the best way for the living to mourn the dead. Because the traditional
thought of Buddhism is that "existence is pain", and death is more like
a kind of relief. Therefore, no matter the traditional Siamese living in
Thailand or the Siamese living in Malaysia, their funerals are
indispensable to the existence of chanting rituals.

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Figure 5.2.2 Chanting ceremony at a Buddhist funeral
5.2.3 Cremation Ceremony

Malaysian Siamese believe in Buddhism and follow Buddhist
funeral customs, and cremation has become the preferred burial
method for Siamese. Cremation is also the most important part of the
whole funeral process. Siamese believe that cremation help release a
person’s spirit into their next life.

Figure 5.2.3 Schematic diagram of cremation ceremony in
ancient Thailand

Buddhism advocates the concept of rebirth, so Buddhists will
firmly choose cremation as an important way of burial. Cremation
means a complete farewell to this world, but also a better way to open a
better world. Therefore, both Siamese and Thais, all Buddhists prefer
the concept of reincarnation, so as to achieve rebirth.

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5.3 The Influence of Buddhist Thought on Funeral Customs
As a nation that believes in Buddhism, the Siamese in Malaysia, their funeral

customs, and their way of life are influenced by Buddhist thought. Through the
introduction of funeral customs in the previous chapter, there is no doubt that the
most influential thought for the Siamese is the concept of reincarnation. The
concept of reincarnation runs through the funeral all the time.

Under the influence of traditional Thai Buddhism, death is regarded as a new
reincarnation and a new beginning. Therefore, while feeling sad and mourning for
the dead, it should be regarded as a grand and important. Therefore, it is necessary
to celebrate the merits and virtues of the deceased through a variety of traditional
funeral customs and wash away the mistakes of the deceased to realize the
reincarnation of the deceased in this way. So Siamese funerals will be grand, and
there is a complicated process. The Buddhist traditional concept of reincarnation
influences all these rituals and customs are better for helping the dead to achieve
reincarnation.

Under the influence of this thought, Siamese funerals can be so grand and
formal. Because of their unique religious thoughts, Siamese people have also
formed relatively unique funeral cultural characteristics, which constitute an
important part of Malaysian multiculturalism.

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6.0 Conclusion
In 2000, national statistics stated that of the 50,211 ethnic Siamese in Malaysia,

76.4% were Malaysian citizens and lived in rural parts of the north, such as Kelantan,
Perak, Kedah, and Perlis, which are close and directly adjacent to Thailand. Malaysians of
Thai heritage, sometimes called Siamese, are Southern Thais who have lived in Malaysia
for a long time.

Houses in each area of Thailand have various styles that represent the people's way
of life, such as social and cultural beliefs, religious rituals, and jobs. Malaysian Siamese,
or Malaysians of Thai origin, are ethnic minorities living in the northern states of
Malaysia for a long time. Therefore, the Malaysian Siamese still maintain strong
consistency and high similarity with the traditional Thais in terms of daily habits and
cultural language, which is also reflected in the funeral customs.

Funeral customs are also an important part of the cultural characteristics of
Malaysian Siamese. The funeral customs of the Siamese in Malaysia have strong national
culture and Buddhist characteristics, and at the same time have a strong degree of
recognition, which is an important part of Malaysian multiculturalism. Malaysian Siamese
and traditional Thais maintain a high degree of similarity, which is reflected in
maintaining a high degree of strong Buddhist beliefs. At the same time, the funeral
customs of the Siamese in Malaysia also have strong Buddhist thoughts and traditions.
Therefore, the funeral of the Siamese in Malaysia is particularly grand and formal, while
retaining the traditional way of cremation.

Cremation is the most exciting part of the funeral, which can be divided into pre-
funeral, during-funeral and post-funeral.Before the funeral begins, Siamese usually store
the bodies of their relatives at home for about a week, so that distant relatives and friends
can have enough time to attend the funeral, as well as traditional bathing ceremonies.

15

Thus, it can be seen that the funeral process of the Siamese in Malaysia is very Buddhist,
and it also contains the idea of reincarnation in Buddhism.

As a nation with a strong belief in Buddhism, the funeral customs of the Siamese in
Malaysia are naturally inseparable from the existence of chanting rituals. This is the most
religious ceremony in Siamese funeral customs, and it is also the best way for the living to
mourn the dead. Malaysian Siamese believe in Buddhism and follow Buddhist funeral
customs, and cremation has become the preferred burial method for Siamese. As a nation
that believes in Buddhism, the Siamese in Malaysia, their funeral customs, and their way
of life are influenced by Buddhist thought. Because of their unique religious thoughts,
Siamese people have also formed relatively unique funeral cultural characteristics, which
constitute an important part of Malaysian multiculturalism. so these Malaysian Siamese
are Malaysians who have blood or ancestry from Thailand, that's why they can be called
Siamese people because they have Thai blood where the Siamese area is in Thailand.

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References

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https://www.ipl.org/essay/The-Malaysian-Siamese-People-In-Malaysia-P3XJNR74SCF6

THALANG, J. N. (2015, september 13). Thai by blood, not by birth. Retrieved from Bangkok Post:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/690740/thai-by-blood-not-by-
birth

Wikipedia. (2022, January 24). Siam Malaysia. Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siam_Malaysia

Ismail, M. Y. (1987). Buddhism and ethnicity: The case of the siamese of Kelantan. Journal of Social
Issues in Southeast Asia, 2(2), 231–254. https://doi.org/10.1355/sj2-2d
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Dinamikanya.pdf?origin=publication_detail
The traditional Thai house. Traditional Houses - Thailand. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2022, from
http://www.pattaya-location-beach-front.com/anmaison.php
Wikipedia. (2021, November 22). Traditional Thai house. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Thai_house

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