Thailand tightens security for Pope Francis’s visit
Police forces in Bangkok city are preparing to provide security for the visit of Pope Francis to Thailand on November 20-23.
Pope Francis to Thailand visits Thailand on November 20-23. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Bangkok (VNA) – Police forces in Bangkok city are preparing to provide security for the visit of Pope Francis to Thailand on November 20-23.
Deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) Jirasan Kaewsawng-ek said road closures in Bangkok will be limited during the papal visit, but advised motorists to avoid routes where Pope Francis will travel.
The Don Muang Tollway will be closed from 12-1 p.m on November 20 as he travels from Bangkok Military Air Terminal 2 to the Apostolic Nunciature, or the Holy See’s embassy, on Sathon Road. The same route will be closed from 8-9 a.m on November 23 when he moves to the airport.
The Pope’s trip marks the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam, the first Catholic Church in the country.
As scheduled, he will meet with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, government officials, diplomats, representatives of civil organisations at the Government House and the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch at Wat Rachabophit, and visit patients and people with disabilities at St. Louis Hospital on Sathorn Road. He will also meet the King at the Royal Palace, and celebrate Holy Mass at the National Stadium on Rama I Road.
According to the MPB deputy chief, security authorities rehearsed security and safety drills on November 16, and all went well.
Earlier, in a message sent to the Thai people ahead of his visit, Pope Francis hailed Thailand’s contributions to promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence, describing the nation as an inspiration for global peace and harmony.
With 388,000 followers, the Catholic community makes up less than 1 percent of the Thai population. The majority reside in the north, and have increasing influence in the country./.
You should also see
Dien Bien Phu Victory echoes, 70 years on
Seventy years ago, Vietnam won the Dien Bien Phu battle, forcing the French government to sign the Geneva Agreement in July 1954 and marking the end of the French military presence in the whole Indochina.
See more
World
ASEAN culture promoted in Mexico
Typical and diversified culture of ASEAN countries is being promoted at the ongoing ASEAN Week at the headquarters of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies in Mexico city from April 15-19.
World
Thailand, New Zealand agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Thailand and New Zealand on April 17 agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership by 2026, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
World
Japan’s 2024 Diplomatic Bluebook sketches out cooperation orientation with ASEAN
The Foreign Ministry of Japan on April 16 announced its 2024 Diplomatic Bluebook, which clarifies the country's orientations to expand relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in general and Vietnam in particular.
World
Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts, hundreds evacuated
At least 800 people in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province have been evacuated after the area’s Ruang volcano has spewed lava and ash clouds into the sky for days, Indonesia’s volcanology agency said on April 17.
World
Bangkok markets join food waste reduction drive
Nearly 200 fresh markets in Bangkok have joined a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) campaign to classify food scraps from other waste, which helps reduce carbon emissions by about 142.5 tonnes per day.
