Christmas of music and solidarity for Catholics in Thailand
by Weena Kowitwanij
People are getting ready for tomorrow’s concert and stage performance organised by students at a Catholic educational institution in Bangkok. The show includes a fundraiser for poor children and is open to everyone, regardless of their religion, to share the beauty of the festivity.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Thai Catholics are preparing themselves for Christmas in a spirit of “giving and sharing” that includes a Christmas concert as well as a state performance. There will also be some initiatives on behalf of children living in some of the remotest areas of the country. People of all faiths are invited.

On Christmas Eve, the Assumption Choir and the Assumption College Band will perform a concert and perform on a stage in a show titled “Gift 2009: Melodies of Love”. The event is open to all, regardless of sex, age and especially creed, because the festivity is an opportunity of joy for everyone.

The show is free but spectators are asked to bring a gift for needy children living in some of the remotest areas of Thailand.

“We want to promote the idea of ‘giving and sharing’ without getting anything in return,” said Chalernchai Tungcharoenkitkarn, who is in charge of the project.

For him, the show gives Catholics an opportunity to invite friends and acquaintances from other religions to enjoy the music and performance as well as learn about Catholic values.

Anna Raita, 67, said, “I love concert, but this one is more meaningful for me . . . . It is an invitation to reflect and understand if we have shared what we have with those who have less than us.”