The year 2019 is a very significant year for the Catholic Church in Thailand with many remarkable anniversaries.
In 1669, during the papacy of Pope Clement IX, the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam was established and the Catholic Church started to take roots in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Holy See was established in 1969, making this year the 50th anniversary of the relations between the two states.
The Kingdom of Thailand and the Holy See have ties since the Ayutthaya period, but it was only in 1969 that relations were formally established during the papacy of Pope Paul VI.
Since then, relations have become closer and more cordial.
With the visit of Pope Francis to Thailand, diplomatic relations are expected to continue to grow stronger while peace-building efforts are expected to blossom not only in Thailand but in the region.
In the past, Thai officials have made visits to the Vatican. The first was done by King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) who met Pope Leo XIII on June 4, 1897.
His successor, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) met Pope Pius XI on March 21, 1934.
And finally, their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit visited the Vatican City and met Saint Pope John XXIII on October 3, 1963.
The first and only official visit thus far made by a pontiff was by Saint Pope John Paul II from May 10-11, 1984.
Pope John Paul II visited refugee camps in Chonburi Province, the Assumption Cathedral, and the Saint Joseph’s Seminary at Sampran. A formal reception was held in his honor at the Government House and at the Saint Louis Hospital in Bangkok.
With his visit, Pope Francis brings with him a message of peace, especially for the refugees in Thailand.
His visit will surely animate the life of the Church in Thailand with memorable events that will be added to the history of the land.
Father Saw Hubert
