Weena Kowitwanij

The Archbishop of Bangkok speaks of his participation at the 13th Assembly of the Synod last October. The meeting has “vividly” enhanced the work of evangelization and strengthened "love" for the proclamation of the Gospel. From the post-synodal documents the way to spread the Good News. An exchange of realities with the Churches of the world.

The discovery of 2,002 foetuses abandoned near a Buddhist temple in Bangkok sparks a national debate. Each year, between 110,000 and 130,000 illegal abortions are performed out of just over a million pregnancies, “a figure that is frightening” according to a specialist. For Mgr Kovithavanij, “Nobody mentions the ethical conduct and virtue of the family. Christian teaching promotes and supports respect for life.”

The memory of Chiara Lubich, who passed away on 14 March, lives on among people. Even in Thailand Christians and Buddhists remember her with joy, inspired by her faith and works.

Prayer meeting is held at Bangkok’s Assumption Cathedral. Some 220 young people take part, some coming from as far as Hong Kong and Laos. Cardinal Kitbunchu urges people to rediscover society’s true values; Frère Alois tells people to choose love and bear witness to Christ’s hope to the world.

The Catholic Media Awards ceremony was held by the Social Communications Committee; this year, those who promoted family values and the right to life were awarded.

In this country, the pontificate is normally celebrated on the Sunday before the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. In Bangkok, the Nuncio recalled the mission of the Pope to build a society based on love, while Cardinal Kitbunchu invited believers to charity and forgiveness, "foremost needs in our society".

An international organization, the Catholic Commission for Women, is implementing projects for women and children. A village leader said: "Thanks to the commission, we are moving towards a normal life."

Opposition asks King Bhumibol to appoint new prime minister, but the monarch states the responsibility lies with the Supreme Court and the other courts of the country.

The Thai population is aging as the birthrate drops and the average age rises. Every year, some 30,000 elderly people are deserted by their families.

PM's resignation is not enough. Three opposition parties want Thaksin to quit party leadership. A leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy calls for light to be shed on how public companies were managed under the Thaksin administration. It also calls for a probe into election.

To mark the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulayadej's reign, a meeting was organized with the theme "Religion for Peace", attended by representatives of the five religions of the country.

The faithful and priests will remember John Paul II together. "The statue is a simple dedication to mark his apostolic visit to Thailand," said the Nuncio Salvatore Pennacchio.