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(Created page with "'''Thailand''', officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a nation in Southeast Asia, spanning approximately 513,120 km², bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Thailand |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> With a population of about 70.1 million, its official languag...") |
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'''Thailand''', officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a nation in [[Southeast Asia]], spanning approximately 513,120 km², bordered by [[Myanmar]], [[Laos]], [[Cambodia]], [[Malaysia]], and the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Thailand |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> With a population of about 70.1 million, its official language is [[Thai]], and its economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The [[Catholic Church]], introduced in the 16th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 388, | '''Thailand''', officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a nation in [[Southeast Asia]], spanning approximately 513,120 km², bordered by [[Myanmar]], [[Laos]], [[Cambodia]], [[Malaysia]], and the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Thailand |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> With a population of about 70.1 million, its official language is [[Thai]], and its economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The [[Catholic Church]], introduced in the 16th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 388,468 Catholics (0.58% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to [[Our Lady of Lourdes]].<ref name="CatholicSocial">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Population in Thailand |url=https://www.catholicsocial.or.th/ |publisher=Catholic Social Communications of Thailand |date=2019-12-31 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> In a predominantly Buddhist society, the Church plays a significant role in education, charity, and interfaith dialogue, facing challenges from religious dominance and secular trends. | ||
{{Country | {{Country | ||
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| area_sq_km = 513120 | | area_sq_km = 513120 | ||
| population = 70100000 | | population = 70100000 | ||
| catholic_population = | | catholic_population = 388468 | ||
| catholic_percentage = 0. | | catholic_percentage = 0.58 | ||
| rank_among_religions = 3 | | rank_among_religions = 3 | ||
| official_languages = Thai | | official_languages = Thai | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
Thailand’s history includes ancient Mon and Khmer influences, the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms (13th–18th centuries), modernization under the Chakri dynasty, and a constitutional monarchy since 1932.<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{Cite web |title=Thailand |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/southeast-asia-political-geography/thailand |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholicism arrived in the 16th century with Portuguese missionaries, followed by French Jesuits in the 17th century. The Church grew modestly, with the establishment of the [[Archdiocese of Bangkok]] in 1965. Key Catholic milestones include the visit of [[Pope John Paul II]] in 1984 and the 350th anniversary of the Catholic mission celebrated in 2019. | Thailand’s history includes ancient Mon and Khmer influences, the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms (13th–18th centuries), modernization under the Chakri dynasty, and a constitutional monarchy since 1932.<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{Cite web |title=Thailand |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/southeast-asia-political-geography/thailand |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholicism arrived in the 16th century with Portuguese missionaries, followed by French Jesuits in the 17th century. The Church grew modestly, with the establishment of the [[Archdiocese of Bangkok]] in 1965.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Thailand |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/th.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-02-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Key Catholic milestones include the visit of [[Pope John Paul II]] in 1984 and the 350th anniversary of the Catholic mission celebrated in 2019. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Thailand’s population of approximately 70.1 million is 93% Thai, 5% Chinese, and 2% Malay, indigenous, and other minorities.<ref name="CIA"/> About 388, | Thailand’s population of approximately 70.1 million is 93% Thai, 5% Chinese, and 2% Malay, indigenous, and other minorities.<ref name="CIA"/> About 388,468 (0.58%) are Catholic, ranking third behind Buddhists (93%) and Muslims (5%), with less than 1% other religions.<ref name="CatholicSocial"/><ref name="StateReligion">{{Cite web |title=2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Thailand |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/thailand/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholics are concentrated in [[Bangkok]], [[Chiang Mai]], and northeastern provinces, with secularism growing in urban areas. | ||
== Catholic church == | == Catholic church == | ||
The [[Catholic Church in Thailand]] oversees 2 ecclesiastical provinces, 10 dioceses, and approximately 500 parishes, guided by the [[Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand]].<ref name="GCatholic"/> Cardinal [[Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij]], Archbishop of Bangkok, leads major initiatives. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and social programs, maintaining a presence in a Buddhist-majority nation. | The [[Catholic Church in Thailand]] oversees 2 ecclesiastical provinces, 10 dioceses, and approximately 500 parishes, guided by the [[Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand]].<ref name="GCatholic">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Thailand |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TH.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Cardinal [[Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij]], Archbishop of Bangkok, leads major initiatives. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and social programs, maintaining a presence in a Buddhist-majority nation. | ||
=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
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== Introduction of Catholicism == | == Introduction of Catholicism == | ||
Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, with significant growth in the 17th century under French Jesuits serving European traders and Vietnamese refugees.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy" | Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, with significant growth in the 17th century under French Jesuits serving European traders and Vietnamese refugees.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy"/> The [[Archdiocese of Bangkok]], established in 1965, formalized the Church’s modern structure. | ||
== Key historical events == | == Key historical events == | ||
Significant Catholic events include the arrival of Portuguese missionaries (1567), the establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Siam (1669), [[Pope John Paul II]]’s visit (1984), the 350th anniversary of the Catholic mission (2019), and the visit of [[Pope Francis]] (2019).<ref name="PopeJohnPaul">{{Cite web |title=Pope John Paul II in Thailand |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/1984-05/pope-john-paul-thailand-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=1984-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref><ref name="PopeFrancis">{{Cite web |title=Pope Francis in Thailand |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-11/pope-francis-thailand-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-11-20 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> | Significant Catholic events include the arrival of Portuguese missionaries (1567), the establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Siam (1669), the government recognition of three Catholic churches in 2022 (), [[Pope John Paul II]]’s visit (1984), the 350th anniversary of the Catholic mission (2019), and the visit of [[Pope Francis]] (2019).<ref name="PopeJohnPaul">{{Cite web |title=Pope John Paul II in Thailand |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/1984-05/pope-john-paul-thailand-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=1984-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref><ref name="PopeFrancis">{{Cite web |title=Pope Francis in Thailand |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-11/pope-francis-thailand-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-11-20 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref><ref name="Diplomat">{{Cite web |title=Thailand recognizes Catholic churches after 93-year wait |url=https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2022/09/02/thailand-recognizes-catholic-churches-after-93-year-wait/ |publisher=Diplomat Magazine |date=2022-09-02 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> | ||
== Catholicism status == | == Catholicism status == | ||
The [[Catholic Church]] in Thailand is a minority religion, with 0. | The [[Catholic Church]] in Thailand is a minority religion, with 0.58% of the population identifying as Catholic in a predominantly Buddhist (93%) society.<ref name="StateReligion"/> The state is Buddhist per the 2017 constitution, with Catholicism influential in education and charity, though limited by religious dominance. | ||
== Administrative subdivisions == | == Administrative subdivisions == | ||
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=== Festivals and traditions === | === Festivals and traditions === | ||
Thai Catholics celebrate [[Our Lady of Lourdes]] on February 11 with Masses, particularly at [[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]], which blends Thai design with Catholic faith ().<ref name="Cultures">{{Cite web |title=Thai Catholic Traditions |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/thailand |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Christmas and Easter incorporate Thai customs, such as almsgiving and processions in [[Chiang Mai]]. | |||
Thai Catholics celebrate [[Our Lady of Lourdes]] on February 11 with Masses, particularly at [[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]].<ref name="Cultures">{{Cite web |title=Thai Catholic Traditions |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/thailand |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Christmas and Easter incorporate Thai customs, such as almsgiving and processions in [[Chiang Mai]]. | |||
=== Education and charity === | === Education and charity === | ||
The Church operates over 300 schools, including [[Assumption College]], and supports charities like [[Caritas Thailand]].<ref name="Caritas">{{Cite web |title=Caritas Thailand |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/asia/thailand/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> These efforts provide education and aid, focusing on rural communities and refugees. | The Church operates over 300 schools, including [[Assumption College]], and supports charities like [[Caritas Thailand]].<ref name="Caritas">{{Cite web |title=Caritas Thailand |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/asia/thailand/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> These efforts provide education and aid, focusing on rural communities and refugees. | ||
=== Art and architecture === | === Art and architecture === | ||
Catholic heritage includes [[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]], built in 1957, with modern Thai-influenced design ().<ref name="Cultures"/> Religious art, such as statues of [[Our Lady of Lourdes]], blends Thai and Christian motifs in churches. | |||
Catholic heritage includes [[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]], built in 1957, with modern Thai-influenced design.<ref name="Cultures"/> Religious art, such as statues of [[Our Lady of Lourdes]], blends Thai and Christian motifs in churches. | |||
== Notable Catholic sites == | == Notable Catholic sites == | ||
=== Pilgrimage sites === | === Pilgrimage sites === | ||
[[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]] is a key pilgrimage site, especially on February 11.<ref name="Cultures"/> [[St. Joseph’s Cathedral]] in [[Chiang Mai]] hosts regional devotions. | [[Our Lady of Lourdes Church]] in [[Bangkok]] is a key pilgrimage site, especially on February 11.<ref name="Cultures"/> [[St. Joseph’s Cathedral]] in [[Chiang Mai]] hosts regional devotions. | ||
=== Historical churches === | === Historical churches === | ||
[[Santa Cruz Church]] in [[Bangkok]], built in 1770, is a historic Portuguese-era church.<ref name="Cultures"/> [[Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral]] in [[Bang Nok Khwaek]], established in 1890, serves central Thailand. | [[Santa Cruz Church]] in [[Bangkok]], built in 1770, is a historic Portuguese-era church.<ref name="Cultures"/> [[Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral]] in [[Bang Nok Khwaek]], established in 1890, serves central Thailand. | ||
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=== Patron saints === | === Patron saints === | ||
[[Our Lady of Lourdes]], celebrated on February 11, is Thailand’s patron, reflecting Marian devotion.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy"/> | [[Our Lady of Lourdes]], celebrated on February 11, is Thailand’s patron, reflecting Marian devotion.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy"/> | ||
=== Associated saints and blesseds === | === Associated saints and blesseds === | ||
[[Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung]], beatified in 2000, is a Thai martyr killed in 1944.<ref name="Kitbamrung">{{Cite web |title=Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20000305_kitbamrung_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2000-03-05 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> No canonized saints are native, but [[Saint Francis Xavier]] is venerated for early missionary work. | [[Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung]], beatified in 2000, is a Thai martyr killed in 1944.<ref name="Kitbamrung">{{Cite web |title=Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20000305_kitbamrung_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2000-03-05 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> No canonized saints are native, but [[Saint Francis Xavier]] is venerated for early missionary work. | ||
== Challenges to Catholicism == | == Challenges to Catholicism == | ||
The Church faces challenges from Buddhist dominance ( | The Church faces challenges from Buddhist dominance (93%) and legal privileges for Buddhism, limiting Catholic influence.<ref name="StateReligion"/> Secularism in urban areas and competition from Protestant groups (part of 1% Christians) are addressed through interfaith dialogue and community outreach.<ref name="CNA">{{Cite web |title=Thailand Church Challenges |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/thailand-church-outreach |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2025-04-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> | ||
== Social and political influence == | == Social and political influence == | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
* | * https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/ | ||
* | * https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TH.htm | ||
* | * https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/th.html | ||
* https://www.catholicsocial.or.th/ | |||
* https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/thailand/ | |||