Prime Minister H.E. Thaksin Shinnawatra giving the opening speech on August 28. The Premier being introduced to heads of Catholic school and participants. Deputy Premier H.E. Pongpol Adireksan listening to M.C. before giving opening speech. The Prime Minister meeting Cardinal Michael Mechai Kitbunchu and other Catholic leaders.

336 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THAILAND

The 336th anniversary of Catholic education in Thailand and the 50" anniversary of the International Office of Catholic Education was celebrated at the Bang Na campus of Assumption University during August 28-30,2002.

The Thai Bishops' Catholic Education Council, the event organizer, is an OIEC member, according to Brother Leo Visith Srivichairatana, an Assumption University Vice President and Secretary of OIEC Asia-Oceania chapter.

Organizers say the ceremony aimed to review the history and service of Catholic educational institutions around the country, and to allow schools to come together and share their experience of new educational technology. It also was designed to express appreciation to the King of Thailand for allowing Catholic education to flourish in the country.

The Prime Minister and other senior ministers attended the ceremony and here is what they had to say about Catholic education in Thailand.

H.E. Thaksin Shinnawatra

"I had my primary and secondary education at the Montfort School in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The emphasis on discipline and critical thinking that the schools provided proved' very useful later in life.

I still remember the prayer students recited during the morning assembly before the start of school each day, I found the religious dimension of Catholic schools helped the students to live an ethical life.

Catholic schools not only excel academically but also give importance to a holistic education,".

H.E. Pongpol Adireksarn, Deputy Prime Minister

"The Catholic school gave a good education, and the English language skills I learnt there became extremely useful when I studied abroad.

H.E. Suvit Khunkitti, Minister of Education

"The Catholic schools have played an important role in educating Thai youth for more than 300 years. I studied at the Holy Redeemer School in Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand

The Education Minister in a commemorative photo with Catholic education leaders at John XXIII Conference Centre.		The Prime Minister being conducted to his seat at the John Paul II Sports Centre.
Education Minister H.E. Suvit Khunkitti listening to announcement before giving opening speech on August 30.		Cardinal Kitbunchu performing prayer service and opening the Annual Catholic Education Conference on August 27.