Early in the morning, the pope entered the Governamental House in Bangkok, where the Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, was waiting for him. He is the most powerful man in this country of 65 million inhabitants, with a minority of 390,000 Catholics.
After receiving military honors, the pope personally greeted the official Thai delegation.
Next, they entered the spectacular building all together, with windows that inspire Venetian facades.
First, the pope signed the book of honor.
Then came the exchange of gifts.
Pope Francis received a set of liturgical vestments embroidered in the country, while he handed the president a selection of his papal documents.
Then the two leaders met behind closed doors.
'I am glad to visit this noble and beautiful land, and I wish it all the best.'
After the meeting, they entered a large hall to give the first official speeches, in front of representatives of society and various ambassadors.
The Prime Minister welcomed the pope and thanked him for the visit.
In his speech, Pope Francis recalled the word 'Thai' means 'Freedom.' He said this is only obtained if people feel responsible for each other, and overcome inequality. Specifically, he thanked them for their efforts against sex tourism.
POPE FRANCIS
I think of all those women and children of our time, especially those who are wounded, violated and exposed to every form of exploitation, enslavement, violence and abuse. I express my appreciation for the Thai government’s efforts to extirpate this scourge.
The Holy Father also mentioned the migrant crisis. He indirectly recalled that in the past Thailand welcomed the Vietnamese, and now thousands of Rohingya arrive in the country from Myanmar.
Upon conclusion, the president accompanied the pope out.
Interestingly, the women were dressed in yellow and the men wore a tie of that color. In Thailand, yellow is the color dedicated to solemn occasions and omen of good hope.
Javier Martínez-Brocal
Melissa Butz
