Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Thailand’s Catholics “must take part in politics i.e. to use the vote with the instinct of righteousness in order to restore political and social unity.” This is the sense of the message published yesterday by the President of Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Msgr. Philip Banchong Chaiyara, centred on the parliamentary elections due December 23rd next.
Msgr. Chaiyara explains that the responsibility to vote, “is a virtue, the partaking in political process is a morale obligation; it is the significant fundamental of all Christian. It is a sacred duty as consideration based on reason and conscience are needed to vote for the good candidates who are capable, with moral conduct and sacrifice for the benefit and happiness of all”.
The prelate concludes by underlining that “This coming December is very significant to all Thais not only that we, Thai people, will celebrate the King’s 80th birthday anniversary but it will also be the 75th anniversary of the Democracy system in Thai political history. Let us celebrate these anniversaries in the best possible way”.
Decembers’ elections will be the first to take place since the military junta took power in a peaceful coupe- with the blessings of King Bhumibol – to overthrow Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accused of corruption. There are only 480 seats available to the 800 candidates who have been presented by the 22 parties on the electoral list.