BURMA
Exemplary following of Sikhi. One of the earliest Sikh migrations as soldiers with the British Indian Army in the Anglo-Burma wars. Burma was part of British Indian empire till 1937 and many Sikhs migrated there as if they are settling in another part of India. There were two exoduses, first during WWII arising from the Japanese occupation and later when the Army took over in 1962 and most non-Burmese were stripped off their citizenship. Two important events, one the exile of Namdhari Sikh Guru Ram Singh in 1872 and earlier the king and poet, Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1858. The earliest Gurdwara outside India was built in Rangoon (now Yangon) in 1897 and the foundation stone was laid by Parking, Head of the local Military Police. The setting up of 154 Gurdwaras and other institutions spread all over the country with population of 15-20,000 or so at its peak prior to 1947 confirms their enthusiasm for institution building. There has been an exodus of Sikhs in various phases since the Japanese invasion in WW II. The Sikhs are at ease with the local society and are well integrated with turban and full Sikh identity. They have seamlessly adopted local dress, language and even food. Some Sikhs get married to the locals, but the spouse invariably chooses to become a Sikh. Compared to almost all countries visited and even Punjab, the third-fourth generation in Myanmar is better able to cope with pressure to give up the unique Sikh identity. The community feels isolated from Punjab due to travel restrictions, expense and hassles involved. With the opening of economy and detente in national politics, situation will hopefully improve.

THAILAND
Mostly comprising originally of Sikh businessmen and substantial numbers from the Namdhari Sect. Sikhs are into textile and real estate businesses. It is from here that some of them moved to Japan-Kobe area as they were dealing in textiles imported from Japan. A well-respected community with Gurdwaras in Bangkok and several other cities.Joint living and family business are still prevalent. Sikh identity is comparatively less under pressure because of family unity. The community maintains good relations with the royalty and is active participant in local philanthropy. Many amongst the younger generation are now studying abroad. Sikhs are a majority among the Indian community.