Catholic Church in Thailand urges "open channel" between factions

(Vatican Radio) The Catholic Church in Thailand said it is “urgent to open a channel between the parties” to help resolve the nation’s ongoing political crisis.

Mgr. Andrew Vissanu Thanya-Anan, the Executive Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand, spoke to the Fides news agency after General Prayuth Chan declared martial law to stop a series of street protests which had led to several deaths. Demonstrators were calling the ouster of the interim government, which is run by the party of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was recently dismissed by the Supreme Court due to abuse of power.

"We were in a situation of institutional stalemate for a long time,” he said.  “Because of uncertainty and insecurity, the population welcomed the intervention of the army which is not a coup but serves to prevent violence and chaos that would further damage the country: this is the aim of the martial law.”

Msg. Andrew Vissanu Thanya-Anan told Fides Agency the Catholic Church is closely following developments of the situation.

“Let us pray and join efforts with leaders of other religions, such as Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims,” he said. “When the Thai population sees that religious leaders are united, hand in hand for peace, this has a strong influence on the hearts and minds, and therefore on the future of the country".