The Redemptorist Province of Thailand and the Diocese of Surat Thani signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 10, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in pastoral ministry and mission on Samui Island and its neighbouring islands. Effective May 2025, pastoral care in these areas—previously under the care of the Salesians—will officially be entrusted to the Redemptorists.
Alongside this agreement, a separate MOU was also signed, extending the Redemptorists’ pastoral responsibility for the parish in Prachuap Khiri Khan for an additional two years. At the end of this term, the parish will be returned to the Diocese, allowing the Province to focus more fully on its ministry and mission in the islands.
This transition marks a historic milestone for the Province, as it is the first time that the Province will undertake pastoral ministry and mission in island territories. Significantly, this new mission echoes a pivotal moment in the Province’s history: when the first four Redemptorist missionaries from the Denver Province arrived in Thailand on May 19, 1948, they landed on Si Chang Island off the coast of Sriracha. From an island they first entered Thailand—and now, with renewed missionary zeal, they return to the islands.
The scope of the ministry and mission includes serving parish communities composed of both local and international faithful, ministering to migrant workers, supporting schools and youth programs, and caring for the poor and marginalized. These efforts are deeply rooted in the Redemptorist charism: to proclaim the Good News to the most abandoned and those in greatest need.
While the challenges of island ministry are real—ranging from logistics to accessibility—this new venture presents valuable opportunities for growth, evangelization, and deeper collaboration with the local Church in southern Thailand. With hope and commitment, the Redemptorist Province of Thailand looks forward to embracing this new and promising mission field.
Fr. Peter Jittapol Plangklang, C.Ss.R.
