Fr Saichon Khanyulai (TAI) is returning to Bangkok on August 24 from tertianship. While waiting for is next assignment, he will be residing at Xavier Hall. Fr John Shea (NYK) will be moving to his new assignment at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, on August 23. In his email to the Region, John wrote, “Thanks for all the support and companionship these last five years.
BANGKOK (UCAN) – The new head of the Jesuit ministry for foreign prisoners in Thailand, says 20 years of devotion to foreign migrants and refugees has been a joy and not been wasted.
Vilaiwan Phokthavi, 57, could have followed a lucrative career as an accountant with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand after graduating from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, but decided instead to join the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
The World Assembly of SIGNIS (World Catholic Association for Communication) met in Chiang Mai, Thailand in October to discuss the theme Media for a Culture of Peace: Children’s Rights, Tomorrow’s Promise. The Assembly was conducted by SIGNIS President Mr.
After discussions with Fr Bernard Arputhasamy, JRS Regional Director, and Mr. Aden Raj, Thailand Country Director, Fr Paul Pollock, Superior of Thailand Region, is happy to announce that the JRS country office will now move to Xavier Hall, and incorporate itself with the JRS-Asia Pacific offices. There are sufficient rooms and spaces available on the first and second floors of the office building to allow this increase of personnel.
Fr Martin Suhartono will be returning to Thailand, where the entire region will all surely be glad to welcome him. For now, he will be assigned to Xavier Hall, and have a chance to brush up his Thai. He is expected to arrive on November 1 (All Saints Day!). With many thanks to Fr Riyo Mursanto, provincial of Indonesia, for his generosity in remembering Thailand.
During the JCEAO meeting in Yogyakarta, and the 150th Anniversary of the Indonesian Province,Fr Paul Pollock, Superior of Thailand and Myanmar had several great visits with the scholastics. They are doing very very well, and Fr Paul was impressed how much of their Bahasa he could understand. In August they will all go to Jakarta, and then the new academic year there will begin.(Contributor: Fr Paul Pollock)
We invite all to share in the happiness of Fr Jean Barry (TAI), who was awarded a special recognition by Thammasat University, for his contributions to preparing well trained human personnel resources for Thailand. Congratulations, Jean! (Contributor: Fr Paul Pollock)
As the feast of St. Ignatius was celebrated last July, Jesuits from the Thai region recalled the numerous graces of the past year. Many, from the eldest to the youngest member, say they feel invigorated by the six-month communal discernment, which began in November 2008, and culminated with a retreat led by Fr Daniel Patrick Huang (PHI), Regional Assistant for East Asia and Oceania, in April 2009.
Jesuit Refugee Service-Asia Pacific will hold its Regional Meeting on 26 – 30 October 2009 in Hua Hin, Thailand. Topics may include Strategic Plans of 2007-2010, Frontiers we are missing or could do regionally, Urban Refugee Issues, Solutions to the Burmese issue (Rohingyas), Priority Advocacy issues in the region, and Human resources and pastoral care of JRS staff. Participants are advised to confirm immediately with Fr Bernard Arputhasamy, JRS-AP Regional Director.
Jesuit Social Services (JESS) says that its program of giving scholarships to Thai girls helps them avoid the fate of many who are driven by poverty into the sex industry. Read more. . .