THAILAND - Tsunami Response was Major Learning Experience for Church

SURAT THANI, Thailand (UCAN) — The devastation caused by the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami helped the Thai Church learn how to collaborate on a vast scale with secular bodies and coordinate relief work among its own organizations.

Five years on, Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil of Surat Thani talks to UCA News about the rehabilitation focused in his southern diocese, and what the Church learnt from the whole experience.

UCA News: What has the diocese done in the five years since the tsunami?

BISHOP JOSEPH PRATHAN SRIDARUNSIL: I was appointed bishop of Surat Thani on Nov. 28, 2004. Less than a month later, the tsunami hit.

First, we provided emergency support, such as shelter, boats and other equipment for people’s livelihoods. We also provided psychological care for those who lost family members.

Then we encouraged communities to start micro financing schemes in their communities so that they have access to a range of financial services, including credit, savings and insurance.

The main area of work of the Catholic Social Development Center of Surat Thani diocese is in Phang Nga province. Our work focuses on sustainable development. We have set up community learning centers, vocational training programs, as well as community health care for children, the elderly, migrant workers and other people.

We emphasize that communities have to be self-reliant.

Were Catholic communities affected?

They were not. There are around 7,000 Catholics in seven main communities in the diocese that has a total population of nine million. Many of the Catholics are not local people but have migrated here to work.

Our principle is to help all people regardless of religion or ethnicity.

What did the Church learn?

In the past, we (various Church groups) worked separately. But working for tsunami-affected people was a huge task. This led us to greater collaboration within the Catholic Church as well as with other sectors such as government agencies and schools.

Each Church group and Religious congregation provided support according to its expertise and capacity. For example the Camillians provided medical care, the Salesians set up vocational centers for youths.

The Myanmar migrant workers in Ranong province got support through JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service). The Church also set up informal schools and provided scholarships to children.

Many communities where we set up support centers are now providing opportunities for young Catholics to learn about the tsunami’s impact. The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters have brought their young people on exposure programs to fishing communities to learn about their difficulties.

In the course of our work, we have discovered small Catholic communities we never knew of before. In Takua Pa district, we found 14 Catholic families who migrated to work here. I was surprised to find that two of these families are related to me.

What activities will there be to commemorate this fifth anniversary?

We will celebrate Mass to commemorate those who have died on Dec. 26 evening. We may also have a commemoration ceremony with the Buddhist, Muslim and Protestant communities, which we have jointly organized every year.

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