History and Missionary Beginnings

The THA Province was canonically established on December 20, 1937.

The first Salesian missionaries, Fr. Giovanni Casetta and Cleric Giorgio Bainotti, arrived in Thailand from Macau, China, on August 27, 1927. Later, on October 25, 1927, a larger group of 18 Salesian missionaries, led by Fr. Gaetano Pasotti (who would later become Bishop of Ratchaburi Diocese), arrived by boat in Bang Nok Khwaek, which became the first Salesian base in Thailand.

The Salesian superiors placed special importance on Thailand, sending additional missionaries. These early Salesians dedicated themselves to learning the Thai language, local customs, and traditions, which greatly benefited their missionary efforts. On January 1, 1929, Bishop René Marie Joseph Perros of the Diocese of Bangkok entrusted the care of the Diocese of Ratchaburi to the Salesians. Later, on June 30, 1929, Fr. Gaetano Pasotti was appointed as its administrator. Twelve years later, on June 24, 1941, he was consecrated as Bishop of Ratchaburi.

The Diocese of Ratchaburi covered a vast region, including Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and parts of southern Thailand. The Salesians were responsible for churches, schools, and the pastoral care of the faithful—a challenging and significant mission at the time.

Expansion of the Salesian Mission

The pioneering Salesian missionaries laid the foundation for Salesian work in Thailand, dedicating their lives to the education and future of Thai youth. Many of them passed away in Thailand, their graves serving as a testament to their commitment and love for the Salesian mission.

Over time, new Salesian missionaries from Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Philippines arrived, continuing Don Bosco’s mission of serving poor and abandoned youth. Their goal was to provide education, vocational training, and moral guidance, helping young people become honest citizens and good Christians.

In 1969, the Diocese of Surat Thani was created, separating from Ratchaburi Diocese. Bishop Peter Caretto was transferred to Surat Thani, while Bishop Robert Ratana Bamrungtrakul took over Ratchaburi Diocese. Since then, the Salesians have led missionary work in Surat Thani, covering Prachuap Khiri Khan to Thailand’s southernmost region. Salesian bishops such as Bishop Michael Praphon Chaicharoen and Bishop Emeritus Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil have guided the faithful over the years.

Salesian Presence in Cambodia and Laos

The Salesian Congregation in Thailand was later entrusted with expanding the mission to Cambodia and Laos.

• Cambodia: The Salesian mission in Cambodia began in 1991 with Bro. Roberto Panetto, Fr. Valter Brigolin, and Fr. John Visser. They established Don Bosco Vocational Training Schools in Phnom Penh, Battambang, Poipet, Sihanoukville, and Kep.
• Laos: The Salesian mission in Laos started in 2004, led by Fr. Tito Pedron, an Italian missionary in Thailand. Due to political challenges, the Salesians could not establish a formal presence, so the mission was entrusted to past pupils of Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, led by Mr. Sanya Boonprasert. These past pupils laid the foundation for Salesian work in Laos, eventually establishing the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Vientiane, offering courses in auto mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, electrical work, and welding.

Religious Demographics in the Region

• Thailand: 95% Buddhist, 4% Muslim, 0.5% Catholic
• Cambodia and Laos: The Catholic population is similarly small.

Salesian Presence in THA Province

The THA Province has 103 Salesian confreres, led by Fr. Anthony Boonlert Paneetatthayasai (Provincial Superior) and Fr. Eugene Xalxo (Delegate for Cambodia).

Number of Confreres and Novices

• Bishop: 1
• Priests: 64
• Deacon: 1
• Lay Brothers: 15
• Initial Formation Confreres: 19
• Novices: 3
• Total: 103 (Thailand: 77, Cambodia: 21, Laos: 5)

Canonically Erected Salesian Houses

Total: 15  (Thailand: 12; Cambodia:2; Laos:1)

Salesian Institutions and Activities

The Salesians in Thailand serve in 12 communities across 5 dioceses. The province operates:

• 4 Formation Houses (3 aspirantates, 1 pre-novitiate, novitiate, and philosophate)
• 14 Schools: Thailand: 5 academic schools, 2 vocational schools; Cambodia: 2 academic schools, 5 vocational schools; Laos: 1 vocational training center
• 1 Center for the Blind (Thailand)
• 13 Parishes (Thailand)
• 4 Retreat Houses
• 2 Homes for Orphans and Ethnic Children (Bang Sak and Chiang Mai)

Salesian Family in THA Province

• Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB): 103
• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA): 81
• Don Bosco’s Volunteers (VDB): 11
• Salesian Cooperators (ASC): 188
• Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA): 46
• Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM): 84
• Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate (DQM): 41
• Sisters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate (SQM): 26
• Federation of Salesian Past Pupils
• Association of Past Pupils of the Salesian Sisters

Salesian Work in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos

The Salesian Society’s mission focuses on three key areas: Education, Pastoral Care, and Social Welfare.

1. Education

The Salesians operate both academic and vocational schools.

• Thailand: 5 academic schools, 2 vocational schools.
• Cambodia: 2 academic schools, 5 vocational schools.
• Laos: 1 vocational training center.

Statistics (2024-2025):

• Thailand: 15,979 students, including 648 Catholic students, supported by 1,202 teachers and lay collaborators.
• Cambodia: 2,438 students across all schools.

For nearly 100 years, Salesian education has empowered generations of youth with knowledge, moral values, and professional skills, helping them contribute to society and the Church.

2. Pastoral Care

The Salesians assist dioceses in Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani. Currently, about 3,500 parishioners are under Salesian pastoral care.

3. Social Welfare Initiatives

• Skills Development Center for the Blind (since 1978) – Helps visually impaired youth find employment.
• Don Bosco Home (Bang Sak, since 2006) – Supports orphans from the 2004 tsunami.
• Don Bosco Home (Chiang Mai, since 2006) – Provides vocational training for ethnic youth.
• Don Bosco Technical College (Bangkok) – Offers training in typography and computer graphics for the deaf.
• Cambodia: Provides scholarships, meals, and education for underprivileged children.

The Salesians in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos continue Don Bosco’s mission, transforming the lives of young people, especially the poor and marginalized.

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