Thailand's King gives mandate to coup leader

(Vatican Radio) In Thailand, coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Monday King Bhumibol Adulyadej has formerly endorsed his rule as head of a military council which will run the country.

Prayuth took control on May 22, saying the army needed to restore order after political factions had been battling in the streets for over 6 months.

"In the coming weeks a plausible way out for the country to put an end to this stalemate has to be found, said Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, of the diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima in Northeastern Thailand, speaking to the Fides News Agency.

“We know that a coup is always considered negatively at an international level. Thai people have a profound desire for peace, justice and transparency,” he said.

The Bishop said the Catholic Church has been working to unite the different religious communities in the country to work for peace and stability.

“We took the initiative and in recent months, we have had big interfaith gatherings, with the presence of leaders of the five main communities, engaged in a solemn and intense prayer for peace,” Bishop Joseph told Fides.  “We will continue to do so, and in the next few days we will arrange a new meeting: the spiritual leaders get together to set an example and show a way of reconciliation to politics and to the entire nation.”