Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand is the assembly of the Bishops of the Thai Church, representing the Catholic Church of Thailand locally and internationally. It is the governing body of the Thai Catholic Church which consists of ten dioceses, with Bangkok and Tharae being archdioceses. The Bishops’ Conference elects its President from amongst its episcopal members.
The Bishops’ Conference established Caritas Thailand in 2007 as the umbrella organization for the development and social outreach work of the Thai Church. Caritas Thailand is an autonomous body under the Thai Bishops’ Conference, being a participating member of the international Caritas family.
Within Caritas Thailand, there are two Commissions – the Social-Pastoral and Social Development Commissions. Within the Social-Pastoral Commission, there are three desks:
COERR – Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees;
NCCS – National Catholic Commission for Seafarers;
NCCM – National Catholic Commission on Migration and Prisoners.
All three are under the responsibility of Bishop Joseph Pibul Visitnondachai. NCCM has a Director who has responsibility for its management and operation and applying of policy.
National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM)
NCCM Background
NCCM was established in 1987 to serve the pastoral and humanitarian needs of the growing number of migrants in Thailand. NCCM’s first target group was internal migrants – those mostly Thai rural youth leaving the rural sector of the country to seek jobs in urban and industrial areas. Pastoral assistance was mainly provided through assisting with food, accommodation and job placements. Since its establishment NCCM has constantly adjusted its activities to respond to the ever changing needs and situations for migrants and their families in Thailand. Recognizing that migration starts in the sending countries, NCCM has initiated targeting these countries to create awareness amongst those planning to migrate of the real situation for migrants living in Thailand and assist those returning home. Migrant workers and their families coming to Thailand are from the poorer and more oppressed neighboring countries of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. They are a vulnerable and marginalized population within their homelands and remain so within Thailand, needing support and assistance. Targeted groups and issues within this large migrant community in Thailand have included more specifically women and children; those living with HIV/AIDS; human rights and labor rights; advocacy; prisoners; those working in the sex industry; disadvantaged youth and Thai workers working overseas.