Bangkok: As deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border intensify, the Catholic Church in Thailand has expressed deep concern and called for unity, nonviolence, and dialogue. Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, President of the Thai Catholic Bishops’ Conference, voiced these concerns in an interview with AgenSIR, the Italian Catholic news agency.
The renewed hostilities, which erupted on July 24, have already claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 168,000 people. The long-contested 800-kilometer border between Thailand and Cambodia has seen occasional flare-ups in the past, but the current conflict marks a dangerous escalation.
“The Catholic Church in Thailand is following these developments with grave concern,” Archbishop Arpondratana stated. “While border disputes are often framed as mere territorial disagreements, they are frequently exploited to inflame nationalist sentiments and divert public attention from internal problems.”
He warned that political opportunism threatens to override humanitarian values, undermining any hopes of lasting peace. “Such manipulation only deepens the crisis and prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians,” he said.
Archbishop Arpondratana underscored the Church’s long-standing position against extreme nationalism and emphasized the need to understand the historical and cultural context behind such disputes. “Only through genuine dialogue and mutual understanding can we achieve reconciliation and just solutions,” he stressed.
“The Church firmly supports peaceful negotiation, international mediation, and dialogue as the most effective paths to sustainable peace,” the Archbishop noted. He also affirmed the Church’s solidarity with those directly impacted particularly border communities who now face displacement, fear, and economic devastation.
“Our faith compels us to uphold the dignity of every human being, no matter their nationality or ethnic background,” he said. “We must stand against hatred and division and instead nurture a culture of fraternity, empathy, and shared humanity.”
The Thai Catholic Church has categorically condemned violence targeting civilians. “The Church rejects all forms of violence, especially those directed at non-combatants women, children, the elderly. These actions violate international humanitarian principles and must be stopped,” Archbishop Arpondratana affirmed.
Through the Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees (COERR), the Church has been actively providing emergency aid, food, essential supplies, and pastoral support to those caught in the conflict. Special Masses, prayer services, and Rosary vigils are being held across Thailand to invoke peace and healing.
Highlighting the importance of regional church unity, Archbishop Arpondratana also emphasized the strong relationship between the Catholic Churches of Thailand and Cambodia. “We remain in close, fraternal contact with our Cambodian counterparts. In moments of conflict, this bond becomes even more essential.”
As tensions continue to simmer, the Thai Catholic Church has called upon all parties involved—governments, civil society, and faith communities to prioritize peace and the common good over territorial pride or political gain.