By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
THAILAND – As in many other places, Valentine’s Day in Thailand turns the country into a sea of pink and red. Heart-shaped decorations fill shopping malls, and school students exchange red heart stickers, embracing the festive spirit.
Yet, behind the joyful atmosphere, concerns persist. Thailand has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia, and surveys indicate that many teenagers see Feb 14 as the ideal day to lose their virginity. For parents, this Western-imported celebration raises worries about how their children understand and express love.
A Different Perspective in Catholic Schools
For Catholic schools in Thailand, Valentine’s Day is not about fleeting romance but an opportunity for deeper reflection on love as taught by Jesus.
Fr Paul Ekarat Homprathum, Secretary General of the Catholic Education Council of Thailand, is confident in the formation Catholic schools provide. Speaking to LiCAS News, he explained:
“Catholic schools consistently educate students about love through the teachings of Jesus, guided by Gospel values. The goal is to help students develop a character of love and compassion.”
His words echo the teachings of Pope Francis, who has emphasized that love is central to the Gospel—rooted in God, expressed through service, and requiring respect and generosity.
Continue reading in LiCAS.news.
