Page 72 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ
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In the present reign, Christianity has received the The Protestants has also been under the same
same patronage as other religions. His Majesty, himself, became patronage from of His Majesty the King. For example, on the
familiar with Christianity from a young age, having attended occasion of king's coronation, representatives from The Church
a Christian school, The Mater Dei School, Bangkok, in the of Christ in Thailand and from other Christian denomination,
kindergarten level. After his accession to the throne, the King have been granted an audience with King to present their
visited the Vatican City State and had an audience with Pope Letters. Leaders from Christian organizations were also granted
Saint John XXIII on October 1, 1960. On the occasion, the the audience to give their blessing to His Majesty regularly on
Pope mentioned regarding the good relationship between Thai auspicious occasions. In 1946, the Letter of Congratulations
Kings and the Vatican since year 1688. The official relationship from His Majesty was granted to The Christ Church Bangkok in
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between The Vatican and the kingdom of Thailand has been celebration of their 50 anniversary. In addition, HRH the Crown
tighten, after the diplomatic relations at the highest level has Prince presided over the celebration of the 50th anniversary
been established, by appointing a Thai ambassador to the Vatican of Protestants propagation in Thailand, at Bangkok Christian
City State. In the meanwhile, His Majesty the King granted an College on December 16, 1987. These are some examples of
audience to Archbishop Jean Jadot, the first Apostolic Pro-Nuncio royal patronage for Christianity. Obviously, the royal patronage
appointed to Thailand, to present a Letter of Credentials from of religions has been continuously granted by Thai Kings from
The Pope Paolo VI on October 16, 1969. The relations between the past till the current reign.
The Vatican and His Majesty the King was even tighter when
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The Pope Saint John Paul II, the 264 Pope, visited Thailand
as the royal visitor. This is a great joyous occasion as it was
the first Thailand visit of the leader of the worldwide Catholic
Church. On the occasion, The Pope was grant an audience with
His Majesty at Chakri Throne Hall, located in the Grand Palace,
during May 10-11, 1984. Since then, the royal family members
has visited the Pope at Vatican City State from time to time on
special occasions, to promote amity between the two countries.
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