UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/ UCA News From thailand Stories en-us support@ucanews.com Copyright 2023 Thailand defends hosting talks with Myanmar junta https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailand-defends-hosting-talks-with-myanmar-junta/101708 UCA101708 The move has split ASEAN and drawn criticism that it is undermining the bloc's efforts to tackle the crisis Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:45:00 +0700 Thai monks visit Vatican to embolden fraternity https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-monks-visit-vatican-to-embolden-fraternity/101700 UCA101700 The delegation met with Vatican officials and prayed for the well-being of Pope Francis Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:13:00 +0700 Thai PM frontrunner Pita faces election probe https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-pm-frontrunner-pita-faces-election-probe/101636 UCA101636 Probe relates to Pita Limjaroenrat's ownership of shares in a now-defunct media company, prohibited under Thai election law Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:55:00 +0700 Thai coalition inks deal, but silent on royal insult reform https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-coalition-inks-deal-but-silent-on-royal-insult-reform/101396 UCA101396 MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat faces an uphill battle due to opposition within Senate to his plans to reform lese-majeste legislation Tue, 23 May 2023 12:18:00 +0700 Thai opposition leader Pita Limjaroenrat claims victory https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-opposition-leader-pita-limjaroenrat-claims-victory/101311 UCA101311 Move Forward Party leader declares he is next PM, would seek to build a six-party coalition including Pheu Thai Mon, 15 May 2023 17:24:00 +0700 Thais vote for democracy parties, reject military https://www.ucanews.com/news/thais-vote-for-democracy-parties-reject-military/101305 UCA101305 Having secured the most votes, the Move Forward Party wants to reform the strict royal insult laws Mon, 15 May 2023 11:52:00 +0700 Washington Marian pilgrimage gathers Asian communities in US https://www.ucanews.com/news/washington-marian-pilgrimage-gathers-asian-communities-in-us/101258 UCA101258 Some two dozen Asian Catholic communities came together for the Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage Wed, 10 May 2023 12:23:00 +0700 Giving women synod vote 'should open Asian churches' https://www.ucanews.com/news/giving-women-synod-vote-should-open-asian-churches/101176 UCA101176 Asian theologians say pope's move is part of systemic changes to make Church a participatory one for all Wed, 03 May 2023 10:20:00 +0700 One family, five candidates rule rural Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/one-family-five-candidates-rule-rural-thailand/101155 UCA101155 The renowned Thienthong clan is one of many families woven into the fabric of Thai politics Sat, 29 Apr 2023 14:10:00 +0700 Thai woman charged with cyanide poisoning murders https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-woman-charged-with-cyanide-poisoning-murders/101146 UCA101146 Police believe money was the motive behind the killings which took place over several years Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:21:00 +0700 Franco-Thai 'innovation week' launched in Paris https://www.ucanews.com/news/franco-thai-innovation-week-launched-in-paris/101131 UCA101131 Event brings together Thai, French figures wanting to expand in the fields of aerospace, agribusiness and creative industry Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:19:00 +0700 Air pollution harms health in Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/air-pollution-harms-health-in-thailand/101082 UCA101082 Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to IQAir Sat, 22 Apr 2023 12:58:00 +0700 Persecuted Chinese Christians charged for overstaying Thai visa https://www.ucanews.com/news/persecuted-chinese-christians-charged-for-overstaying-thai-visa/100871 UCA100871 Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church members fled to South Korea in 2019 and landed in Thailand last year Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:08:00 +0700 Thai firefighters, soldiers battle forest blaze https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-firefighters-soldiers-battle-forest-blaze/100863 UCA100863 The fire has affected at least 800,000 square metres (200 acres) of forest across three hills in Nakhon Nayok province Sat, 01 Apr 2023 12:51:00 +0700 After 15-hour standoff, Thai police shoot gunman dead https://www.ucanews.com/news/after-15-hour-standoff-thai-police-shoot-gunman-dead/100762 UCA100762 The gunman, reportedly a 29-year-old former national park official, killed three people and wounded three others Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:39:00 +0700 Thai PM dissolves parliament, calls election https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-pm-dissolves-parliament-calls-election/100727 UCA100727 Thailand has seen more than a dozen coups since the birth of democracy in 1932 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:24:00 +0700 Asian churches urged to address ‘emerging realties in societies’ https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-churches-urged-to-address-emerging-realties-in-societies/100690 UCA100690 'Bangkok Document' is a fruit of deliberations, discussions among Church leaders, delegates from across the continent Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:50:00 +0700 Ecclesial assembly showed great promise for Asian churches https://www.ucanews.com/news/ecclesial-assembly-showed-great-promise-for-asian-churches/100521 UCA100521 More lay representation would have been ideal but in this period of transition, even the limited participation was a blessing Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:37:00 +0700 Indian state-owned firm sold gun barrels to Myanmar https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-state-owned-firm-sold-gun-barrels-to-myanmar/100519 UCA100519 The barrels were likely used to make artillery for the military as it struggles to crush resistance, Justice for Myanmar said Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:26:00 +0700 Asian leaders end synod preparations discussing ‘gaps’ https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-leaders-end-synod-preparations-discussing-gaps/100494 UCA100494 Asian bishops' chief urges Church leaders to let go of what prevents them from building a participatory church Mon, 27 Feb 2023 18:07:00 +0700 Cardinal Grech urges Asian bishops to be ‘good listeners’ https://www.ucanews.com/news/cardinal-grech-urges-asian-bishops-to-be-good-listeners/100482 UCA100482 Secretary general of the Secretariat of the Synod urges prelates to be more attentive to those that agitate, or ‘do not speak’ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 11:57:00 +0700 Asian bishops gather in Bangkok for continental-level synod https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-gather-in-bangkok-for-continental-level-synod/100469 UCA100469 ‘The Church has to be at the center of producing hope,’ says Archbishop Kikuchi, secretary general of the FABC Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:19:00 +0700 Malaysia's Anwar urges Thailand to resolve Myanmar crisis https://www.ucanews.com/news/malaysias-anwar-urges-thailand-to-resolve-myanmar-crisis/100339 UCA100339 The Thai government has faced criticism for maintaining normalized ties with the junta and for downplaying alleged atrocities Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:21:00 +0700 Asian churches to hold continental gathering on synodality https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-churches-to-hold-continental-gathering-on-synodality/100179 UCA100179 Churches across the world will join continental assemblies in seven locations before the Synod in Rome in October Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:51:00 +0700 Catechist center for ethnic Hmong opens in Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/catechist-center-for-ethnic-hmong-opens-in-thailand/100106 UCA100106 American Redemptorist missionary Father Harry Thiel collaborated with catechists to evangelize Hmong people Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0700 Thai soldiers kill five suspected drug traffickers https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-soldiers-kill-five-suspected-drug-traffickers/100025 UCA100025 The clash in Chiang Rai province lasted five minutes and no soldiers were injured, the task force said in a statement Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:07:00 +0700 Thai top conservation official arrested on graft charges https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-top-conservation-official-arrested-on-graft-charges/99860 UCA99860 The Director-general of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has been detained for accepting bribe Wed, 28 Dec 2022 11:54:00 +0700 Rare Eastern Sarus cranes released in Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/rare-eastern-sarus-cranes-released-in-thailand/99850 UCA99850 A batch of 13 Thai Eastern Sarus cranes has been released in the wild to help revive the species Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:42:00 +0700 Thai rescuers hopeful for missing sailors https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-rescuers-hopeful-for-missing-sailors/99783 UCA99783 Dozens of sailors went missing when their naval vessel, HTMS Sukhothai, sank late Sunday in the Gulf of Thailand Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:11:00 +0700 Thai Church to care for interfaith families, sexual minorities https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-church-to-care-for-interfaith-families-sexual-minorites/99736 UCA99736 Catholics marrying non-baptized people and increasing same-sex relations are among the challenges, says synod report Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:57:00 +0700 Rights to protest, dissent under attack in Asia https://www.ucanews.com/news/rights-to-protest-dissent-under-attack-in-asia/99661 UCA99661 Freedom of peaceful assembly faced restrictions in at least 100 of 197 countries, says CIVICUS Monitor Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:09:00 +0700 Catholic bishops thank Thai govt for supporting Christians https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-bishops-thank-thai-govt-for-supporting-christians/99615 UCA99615 Thai government has been supporting the church's humanitarian and spiritual activities, says Cardinal Francis Xavier Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:32:00 +0700 Chinese dissident’s arrest over Xi protest sparks concern https://www.ucanews.com/news/chinese-dissidents-arrest-over-xi-protest-sparks-concern/99512 UCA99512 Li Nanfei is an UN-registered refugee struck in Thailand for years after fleeing China Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:29:00 +0700 Pope reiterates appeal to end war in Myanmar https://www.ucanews.com/news/pope-reiterates-appeal-to-end-war-in-myanmar/99395 UCA99395 What does war do? It destroys, it destroys humanity, destroys everything, Pope Francis said as he once again called for dialogue to end conflict and loss of lives in Myanmar, ahead of the ASEAN leaders’ summit in Cambodia. Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:29:00 +0700 Pope's Bahrain visit fosters Christian-Muslim dialogue https://www.ucanews.com/news/popes-bahrain-visit-fosters-christian-muslim-dialogue/99314 UCA99314 Pope Francis’ historic, three-day apostolic visit to the monarchy in Western Asia aims to promote dialogue, unity, and peace. Fri, 04 Nov 2022 18:08:00 +0700 Bishops consider changing FABC structure: official https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-consider-changing-fabc-structure-official/99271 UCA99271 The idea of a dialogue of life came from Asia and was picked up by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in some of their documents. Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:57:00 +0700 Chaplains stay put in Myanmarese camps on the Thai side https://www.ucanews.com/news/chaplains-stay-put-in-myanmarese-camps-on-the-thai-side/99274 UCA99274 Humanitarian groups come and go but what hasn't changed is the commitment of the Catholic Church Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:15:00 +0700 Bishops identify new ways for better, peaceful Asia https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-identify-new-ways-for-better-peaceful-asia/99254 UCA99254 FABC gathering emphasizes need for reciprocal listening to 'neighboring religions' in a genuine dialogue Mon, 31 Oct 2022 15:22:00 +0700 Bishops regret lack of Chinese presence at Asian gathering https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-regret-lack-of-chinese-presence-at-asian-gathering/99252 UCA99252 China delegates could not go to Bangkok because of pandemic restrictions, says Cardinal Gracias Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:22:00 +0700 Asian Church should emphasize youth, evangelize social media: Cardinal Tagle https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-church-should-emphasize-youth-evangelize-social-media-cardinal-tagle/99245 UCA99245 'Social media is not just a means for connectedness but a powerful tool creating a new humanity." Sun, 30 Oct 2022 20:15:00 +0700 Bishops should teach continental theology in Asia https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-should-teach-continental-theology-in-asia/99228 UCA99228 Prelates should end clericalism and help lay people, says theologian Tirimanna in the second part of his interview Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:27:00 +0700 Asian Church should become 'more Asian, less Roman' https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-church-should-become-more-asian-less-roman/99219 UCA99219 Top theologian underlines need to develop contextual theology to help respond creatively to continent’s social realities Fri, 28 Oct 2022 10:57:00 +0700 Asia lends unique experiences to universal Church: cardinals https://www.ucanews.com/news/asia-lends-unique-experiences-to-universal-church-cardinals/99217 UCA99217 Interreligious dialogue is something the rest of the world can learn from Asia Thu, 27 Oct 2022 19:01:00 +0700 Tiny European churches 'can learn from Asia' https://www.ucanews.com/news/tiny-european-churches-can-learn-from-asia/99201 UCA99201 Catholics in secularised Europe can be taught to continue a distinct Christian identity, says Luxembourg cardinal Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:20:00 +0700 Church seeks new paths for peace, dialogue in Asia https://www.ucanews.com/news/church-seeks-new-paths-for-peace-dialogue-in-asia/99186 UCA99186 'Different routes' are needed for Asian bishops to address issues communities face in Asia Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:08:00 +0700 Bishops want Asian Church to respond to social realities https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-want-asian-church-to-respond-to-social-realities/99179 UCA99179 The Church in Asia is young but growing and the time has come for it to make its contribution to the Universal Church Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:26:00 +0700 Vatican official stresses Church’s Asian-ness at FABC gathering https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-official-stresses-churchs-asian-ness-at-fabc-gathering/99170 UCA99170 Asian churches were asked to make dialogue and reconciliation pillars to build the Church in Asia Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:18:00 +0700 Asian bishops urged to push dialogue for peace, reconciliation https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-urged-to-push-dialogue-for-peace-reconciliation/99161 UCA99161 FABC president Cardinal Charles Maung Bo emphasized the need for the Church to 'be reactive and become an agent of peace' Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:05:00 +0700 Asian bishops eye new formation pathways in digital age https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-eye-new-formation-pathways-in-digital-age/99155 UCA99155 FABC discusses new ways of formation, worship and digital ministry in the post-pandemic era Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:42:00 +0700 Couples seek Church rejig to ease participation https://www.ucanews.com/news/couples-seek-church-rejig-to-ease-participation/99152 UCA99152 Husbands and wives want ministerial leadership roles as couples rather than as separate individuals, FABC gathering told Fri, 21 Oct 2022 11:59:00 +0700 Let not bishops' labor be in vain https://www.ucanews.com/news/let-not-bishops-labor-be-in-vain/99102 UCA99102 Let's hope the great efforts to prepare and conduct FABC jubilee celebrations in Bangkok will bear abundant fruit Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:09:00 +0700 FABC gathering urged to adopt South American model  https://www.ucanews.com/news/fabc-gathering-urged-to-adopt-south-american-model/99075 UCA99075 Regular general meetings are needed to form policies to make Church relevant in Asia, says Cardinal Gracias Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:36:00 +0700 Asian bishops stress diversity, evangelization at jubilee meeting https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-stress-diversity-evangelization-at-jubilee-meeting/99067 UCA99067 Prelates asked to dream of Christ returning to Asia as FABC's golden jubilee forum gets underway Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:13:00 +0700 Asian bishops discuss renewal at jubilee meet https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-discuss-renewal-at-jubilee-meet/99055 UCA99055 FABC golden jubilee celebrations are scheduled to be held in Bangkok from Oct 12-30 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:04:00 +0700 Families grieve for Thai nursery dead https://www.ucanews.com/news/families-grieve-for-thai-nursery-dead/99016 UCA99016 A line of heartbroken parents placed white roses on the steps of the nursery where an ex-cop killed nearly two dozen kids Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:46:00 +0700 Thai nursery shooting death toll rises to 35: police https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-nursery-shooting-death-toll-rises-to-35-police/99007 UCA99007 Former policeman Panya Khamrab killed at least 35 people, mostly children, in an attack on a nursery in Thailand Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:57:00 +0700 Thai court rules suspended PM Prayut can resume office https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-court-rules-suspended-pm-prayut-can-resume-office/98952 UCA98952 Prayut welcomed the ruling saying he would use the remaining time in office to push ahead with infrastructure projects Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:49:00 +0700 Thai court to decide suspended PM's fate https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-court-to-decide-suspended-pms-fate/98940 UCA98940 Court has to rule whether Prayut Chan-O-Cha should be thrown out permanently or reinstated as prime minister Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:35:00 +0700 Thailand legalizes abortion up to 20th week https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailand-legalizes-abortion-up-to-20th-week/98924 UCA98924 Move comes despite country recording falling birth and fertility rates Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:16:00 +0700 Catholic nuns feed poor in Thailand’s largest slum https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-nuns-feed-poor-in-thailands-largest-slum/98846 UCA98846 Most residents struggling in Khlong Toei are villagers who migrated to Bangkok for a new beginning Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:15:00 +0700 Will Asian bishops return home a different way? https://www.ucanews.com/news/will-asian-bishops-return-home-a-different-way/98835 UCA98835 Golden jubilee celebration of Asian bishops’ forum should help launch a process of self-discovery Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:37:00 +0700 Secrecy shrouds Asian bishops' golden jubilee https://www.ucanews.com/news/secrecy-shrouds-asian-bishops-golden-jubilee/98814 UCA98814 The people of God are in darkness as to what the bishops will do during the meeting, and they have a right to know Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:06:00 +0700 Asian bishops must end the theological quarantine https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-must-end-the-theological-quarantine/98804 UCA98804 Kenosis — self-emptying — is a crucial concept for understanding dialogue and mission in Asia Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:49:00 +0700 Vietnam’s first native female order marks 350 years https://www.ucanews.com/news/vietnams-first-native-female-order-marks-350-years/98721 UCA98721 Gathering in Thailand brings together Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross from various Asian communities Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:04:00 +0700 Thai court seeks more evidence in PM suspension case https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-court-seeks-more-evidence-in-pm-suspension-case/98698 UCA98698 If the court agrees, the PM could technically continue to serve until 2025 or 2027 if he wins an election due by March Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:16:00 +0700 Thailand recognizes Catholic churches after 93-year wait https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailand-recognizes-catholic-churches-after-93-year-wait/98558 UCA98558 The recognition of worship places seeks to promote religious harmony and moral education, says culture minister Sat, 27 Aug 2022 11:47:00 +0700 Court suspends Thai PM from office https://www.ucanews.com/news/court-suspends-thai-pm-from-office/98528 UCA98528 Opposition parties argue Prayut Chan-O-Cha has reached the end of his eight-year term limit as prime minister Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:40:00 +0700 Thai prime minister facing calls to quit https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-prime-minister-facing-calls-to-quit/98494 UCA98494 Opponents are agitating for the removal of Prayut Chan-O-Cha under rules limiting a PM to eight years in office Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0700 Asian Church 'stands at crossroads of history' https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-church-stands-at-crossroads-of-history/98479 UCA98479 FABC president Cardinal Charles Bo opens golden jubilee by calling for 'comprehensive change, robust renewal' Mon, 22 Aug 2022 17:10:00 +0700 Thai Buddhists celebrate 50-year bond with Vatican https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-buddhists-celebrate-50-year-bond-with-vatican/97762 UCA97762 A delegation met Pope Francis to mark golden jubilee of meeting between Pope Paul VI and the 17th supreme Buddhist patriarch Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:55:00 +0700 Thailand takes step toward same-sex marriage https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailand-takes-step-toward-same-sex-marriage/97675 UCA97675 Lawmakers approve two bills that would allow same-sex marriages and two others that would permit civil partnerships Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:32:00 +0700 Call for deeper ties between Thai Catholics and Muslims https://www.ucanews.com/news/call-for-deeper-ties-between-thai-catholics-and-muslims/97630 UCA97630 Bishops' conference official and 70 imams receive appreciation certificates Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:15:00 +0700 Thailand told to end Rohingya detentions, boat pushbacks https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailand-told-to-end-rohingya-detentions-boat-pushbacks/97554 UCA97554 Recently rescued asylum seekers must be provided with humanitarian assistance and refugee status, says Human Rights Watch Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:01:00 +0700 Thai Catholic youth discuss clerical sexual abuse https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-catholic-youth-discuss-clerical-sexual-abuse/97480 UCA97480 Zoom conference had participants from Singapore and the Philippines besides Thailand Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:07:00 +0700 Laid-off Thai garment workers win $8m payout from US giant https://www.ucanews.com/news/laid-off-thai-garment-workers-win-8m-payout-from-us-giant/97440 UCA97440 The unprecedented settlement to be paid to 1,200 workers will be underwritten by Victoria's Secret Mon, 30 May 2022 12:04:00 +0700 Many Thai children feel suicidal after pandemic gloom https://www.ucanews.com/news/many-thai-children-feel-suicidal-after-pandemic-gloom/97416 UCA97416 Prolonged closure of schools during pandemic, ailing economy among main reasons so many children feel despondent Fri, 27 May 2022 11:54:00 +0700 NGOs in Thailand protest draft law curtailing operations https://www.ucanews.com/news/ngos-in-thailand-protest-draft-law-curtailing-operations/97399 UCA97399 Proposed law would enable authorities to shut down groups whose work they consider a threat to their hold on power Thu, 26 May 2022 11:31:00 +0700 Mental health issues rife among Thai prisoners https://www.ucanews.com/news/mental-health-issues-rife-among-thai-prisoners/97388 UCA97388 Rights groups decry inadequate health care, rudimentary monitoring of inmates' mental well-being at overcrowded jails Wed, 25 May 2022 11:51:00 +0700 Rights activists decry Thailand's 'lese majeste torture' https://www.ucanews.com/news/rights-activists-decry-thailands-lese-majeste-torture/97368 UCA97368 Authorities' treatment of prisoners of conscience amounts to institutionalized torture, it is claimed Tue, 24 May 2022 11:52:00 +0700 Thai ruling undermines Muslims' trust in judicial system https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-ruling-undermines-muslims-trust-in-judicial-system/97352 UCA97352 Family of Abdullah Isomuso allege that he died as a result of injuries sustained while being tortured by the military Mon, 23 May 2022 12:03:00 +0700 Thai government declares it’s winning war on drugs https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-government-declares-its-winning-war-on-drugs/97329 UCA97329 Claim comes as the Southeast Asian nation remains in the grip of a nationwide epidemic of illegal narcotics Fri, 20 May 2022 12:54:00 +0700 Schoolgirl’s death highlights marked rise in Thailand’s suicide rate https://www.ucanews.com/news/schoolgirls-death-highlights-marked-rise-in-thailands-suicide-rate/97302 UCA97302 Southeast Asian nation shocked at child taking her own life after being expelled from school for inability to pay fees Wed, 18 May 2022 13:38:00 +0700 Thai activist continues hunger strike after bail denied https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-activist-continues-hunger-strike-after-bail-denied/97289 UCA97289 Tantawan Tuatulanon is being held in pretrial detention at a Bangkok prison after being charged with royal defamation Tue, 17 May 2022 13:24:00 +0700 Thailand’s endless monastic scandals blemish Buddhism https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailands-endless-monastic-scandals-blemish-buddhism/97270 UCA97270 Without a systematic overhaul of the Buddhist clergy, rogue monks will be here to stay Mon, 16 May 2022 13:46:00 +0700 Traffickers exploit Myanmar migrants entering Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/traffickers-exploit-myanmar-migrants-entering-thailand/97241 UCA97241 Brokers are charging higher fees as Thai authorities crack down on people entering the country illegally Fri, 13 May 2022 12:31:00 +0700 Call for release of Thai prisoners charged with royal defamation https://www.ucanews.com/news/call-for-release-of-thai-prisoners-charged-with-royal-defamation/97230 UCA97230 Authorities step up campaign against democracy movement calling for reform of Thailand's monarchy Thu, 12 May 2022 11:59:00 +0700 Thai police arrest leader of 'disgusting' and bizarre cult https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-police-arrest-leader-of-disgusting-and-bizarre-cult/97198 UCA97198 Authorities discover 11 human corpses in makeshift place of worship run by self-styled holy man Tue, 10 May 2022 10:46:00 +0700 Thai army destroys border bridge to halt Myanmar refugees https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-army-destroys-border-bridge-to-halt-myanmar-refugees/97186 UCA97186 Rights activists say the Thai military has closed off a route used by desperate refugees and humanitarian workers Mon, 09 May 2022 12:06:00 +0700 Thai govt upbeat on lasting ceasefire with Muslim insurgents https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-govt-upbeat-on-lasting-ceasefire-with-muslim-insurgents/97153 UCA97153 Government team scheduled to resume talks with the representatives of separatists in June Thu, 05 May 2022 12:16:00 +0700 Massive drug busts highlight Thailand's narcotics crisis https://www.ucanews.com/news/massive-drug-busts-highlight-thailands-narcotics-crisis/97136 UCA97136 Thai police have arrested 122,000 suspected drug smugglers and dealers over the past six months Wed, 04 May 2022 12:20:00 +0700 Thai govt ramps up royal defamation campaign against activists https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-govt-ramps-up-royal-defamation-campaign-against-activists/97123 UCA97123 Rights groups repeatedly accuse Thai authorities of weaponizing controversial lese majeste law Tue, 03 May 2022 13:10:00 +0700 Thai govt to help impoverished 'sea gypsies' https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-govt-to-help-impoverished-sea-gypsies/97101 UCA97101 State initiative builds on assistance provided to the Moken community by the Mercy Center Catholic charity Mon, 02 May 2022 11:47:00 +0700 Thai rights group demands release of all political prisoners https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-rights-group-demands-release-of-all-political-prisoners/97078 UCA97078 More than 180 people charged with royal defamation under controversial law since November 2020 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:47:00 +0700 Bland Catholic leaders incapable of sharing Asian realities https://www.ucanews.com/news/bland-catholic-leaders-incapable-of-sharing-asian-realities/97019 UCA97019 Asians with a colonial legacy have a mindset of complying with what their masters want, says Indian theologian Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:56:00 +0700 Thai authorities hassle sister of missing activist https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-authorities-hassle-sister-of-missing-activist/97061 UCA97061 Sitanun Satsaksit, whose brother disappeared in June 2020, was recently placed on a special police 'red level' watch list Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:44:00 +0700 Senior Thai monk told to cease fire-breathing trick https://www.ucanews.com/news/senior-thai-monk-told-to-cease-fire-breathing-trick/97029 UCA97029 Abbot of monastery said he wanted to demonstrate that breathing fire did not require any supernatural abilities Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:28:00 +0700 Thais slam light sentence for speeding cop who killed woman https://www.ucanews.com/news/thais-slam-light-sentence-for-speeding-cop-who-killed-woman/97028 UCA97028 Locals say the case is yet another example of official impunity in a country notorious for reckless driving Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:58:00 +0700 Thailand's Orthodox Church shows solidarity with Ukrainians, Russians https://www.ucanews.com/news/thailands-orthodox-church-shows-solidarity-with-ukrainians-russians/97016 UCA97016 Founded in 2007 by Father Oleg Cherepanin, its main churches have opened doors to tourists and those affected by conflict Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:28:00 +0700 Catechumens testify after Easter celebrations in Thailand https://www.ucanews.com/news/catechumens-testify-after-easter-celebrations-in-thailand/97006 UCA97006 Companions want to learn more about God and what he says through the Scriptures Sun, 24 Apr 2022 08:29:00 +0700 Thai activist sent back to jail for writing about prison conditions https://www.ucanews.com/news/thai-activist-sent-back-to-jail-for-writing-about-prison-conditions/96991 UCA96991 Ekachai Hongkangwan charged with violating Computer Crime Act by 'disseminating obscene material online' Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0700