Bangkok (AsiaNews) – The Religious Affairs Department together with the Ministry of Culture and five religious organizations in Thailand held a meeting "Religion for Peace" to celebrate the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulayadej's reign.

Somdejpraputachan, the abbot of Sraket Temple and president of the committee in charge of Buddhist activities, said: "The basic teaching of every religion is to love one another and such love brings unity and fraternity."

"I have had the opportunity to meet leaders of various countries, and they all admired our king; I feel very proud of that," said Chularagamontri Sawas Sumalayasak, Thailand's Muslim spiritual leader. "There is no place on Thai soil where he has not gone to visit his people. He has implemented many projects to help develop the country and to bring happiness to his people. As a present for the special occasion, I would like all of us to do good to others, to bring happiness and peace."

Cardinal Michai Kitbunchu, President of Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand, was also present. He said: "I thank the Religious Affairs Department and the Ministry of Culture, who have encouraged the faithful to put their religious beliefs into practice in their daily life, to help them to grow as good people with ethics and moral values. This is a positive factor in resolving problems."

Phrarajchakruwamthepmuni, the leader of Bhrama-Hindu in Thailand, said: "The king is merciful towards all religions in the country. He has always given sound advice and fosters activities beneficial to the society. He is a great defender of all faiths."

Panchai Sinhsajthep, the leader of the Sikh community, said: "On behalf of the Sikhs in Thailand, I ask the founder of my religion for the blessing of happiness and peace in our country. The teaching of our religion says all people are our friends, not enemies or strangers, and this leads to understanding and co-operation among people of all faiths."

Precha Kanthiya, Rector of the Religious Affairs Department, recalled the meaning of the three colours on the Thai flag. "Red represents our nation, white represents our religion and blue represents the king. These three institutes should work together, especially religion that plays a major role for the spirit and happiness of the population."

Kanthiya continued: "The Religious Affairs Department has an important task: to encourage 63 million Thai inhabitants to live and to practice their religious creed. It takes time for religious doctrine to bring benefits for the faithful. Many problems arise today because many people do not put their religion into practice."

Fr Phaisal Anamwat, Secretary General of the Catholic Commission for Inter-religious and Cultural Dialogue, said: "The initiative to hold the seminar came from Madam Tipawadee Meaksawan, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, who suggested we turn to religion to find solutions to problems." Meaksawan herself advised all the religious leaders to invite other religions to join in activities to be an example of peace in society.

Theravada Buddhism is the religion of 95% of the Thai people. The Muslims account for 4% and the rest of the religions, including Christians, represent 1% of the population. Catholics number some 300,000 with two archdioceses and two dioceses.