The thesis presented accounts of Shiite Muslims in Bangkok, Thailand, regarding their livelihood through the Ashura ritual in the historical, social and cultural dimensions. Historical documents mention the Shiite Muslim as Khaek Chao Sen or Khaek Thet.
    
It is found that the ritual has a role in creating the ethnic identity, relationships, kinship and collective belief and faith in their religion. Group formation is established to empower themselves and to claim their space and to present their ethnic identity in the Thai society (abstract).
    
Numerous historical and archeological evidence tells us about contacts with Persian and Arab Muslims in Thai society. Trade with the Muslims in this region took place around the first and second centuries.
    
The socio-cultural differences of the Shiite Muslims have marginalized them socially. Consequently, they are obliged to create social space or Muslim identity amidst the fast-changing urban society. Their ethnicity was derived from their collective belief and faith in their religion, resulting in an increased number of Shiite Muslims in the Thai society.
    
Furthermore, the Shiite Muslims have integrated local culture with theirs in order to create an identity niche in the society, such as dress, language, gestures, beliefs, and the rituals of their religion.