Pastoral workers who carry out their ministry in prisons met recently in Bangkok for their national meeting. Prisoners are among the most marginalized groups in society. For Bishop Wuthilert Haelom of Chiang Rai, the “prison ministry is not just a social service – it is a living expression of God’s mercy.”
Thailand has downplayed the incident, while Cambodia has not yet issued a statement. No one was killed or wounded during the 10-minute exchange. Quick action by the military of the two countries avoided escalation. The incident stems from unresolved border disputes, which also concern Laos.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok has led the Thai Catholic Church with a focus on mission and inter-religious dialogue. He had promoted the foundation of the Thai Missionary Society - supported by PIME missionary Fr. Adriano Pelosin - closeness to the poor and openness to the Buddhist majority. He will be among the cardinal electors at the next Conclave.
The ESCAP summit on sustainable development is currently underway in Bangkok, focusing on those urban peripheries so dear to Pope Francis. The complaint: the Asia-Pacific region has the largest housing deficit in the world, and the development and enrichment of urban centres is not solving the problem. Meanwhile, climate change risks worsening the situation.
Paul Chambers, who teaches at Naresuan University, is accused of violating Article 112 of the Penal Code for publishing a controversial blurb. Anyone who defames the Thai monarchy risks three to 15 years. Until now few foreigners have been charged, but since 2020, the law has been used against 279 people, largely against participants in student-led protests.
The government is pushing for a quick approval of the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, which will go before parliament this Wednesday for first reading, taking precedence over the recent earthquake and Trump's tariffs. The Bishops' Conference warns that the bill has many potential negative consequences. Even many doctors and academics opposed it.
