Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – Social injustice felt by a greater part of the people and corruption are the principal factors to explain the present political and social crisis in Thailand: Archbishop Louis Chamniern Santisukniram of Thare and Nonseng, President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Thailand, said in a conversation with Fides Agency.
“The disorder seen in recent weeks – the Archbishop told Fides – stems from a lack of social justice: part of the population feels it enjoys less equality and fairness, less rights and opportunities, a lower living standard than others. Another root problem is corruption. As in many Asian countries, in Thailand corruption is serious, and points to the need for morality, transparency, ethics, responsibility of political leaders and those who govern in the civil community”.
The local Catholic Church in Thailand and the greater part of the people are in favour of a five point roadmap outlined by the government and put to the Opposition: the monarchy is not to be used as a weapon in political struggle; reforms must be made to remove inequalities; the media must not be used to exacerbate social and political strife; an independent commission must be set up to investigate the violence of recent weeks (27 killed 900 injured); a serious process of national reconciliation must be started. Everyone hopes this will mean the end of the crisis which has lasted too long. The roadmap also includes the announcement made today by the Thai Prime Minister Premier Abhisit that parliament will be dissolved this coming September and elections will be held on the following 14 November 2010.
Archbishop Chamniern continues: “The political situation is difficult and complicated. Thailand has its own history, its own way of doing things, its own path towards democracy. I believe the roadmap would have had immediate success if it had been agreed on with the Opposition beforehand. In politics it is important to have dialogue, cooperation and compromise between the parties. We still hope for an agreement and pray there will be no violence, and that the country will continue on a secure path towards democracy and stability”.
With regard to the role of religious leaders the Archbishop said: “In this present crisis politics has not asked the religious communities for help. However as the local Catholic Church here, together with other religions present in Thailand, we have sought to offer our contribution encouraging our people to pray, promoting dialogue with everyone, educating to legality and social justice and morality in social and political activity. In the coming months I have invited Thai Catholics directly involved in local civic administration to attend a course of formation on the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church ”.
The Church in Thailand – he concluded – will continue with its activity of prayer, with dialogue with the religious and civil components of society, and with the formation of consciences. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/5/2010 righe 27 parole 278)
