"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." — Jeremiah 3:15
The Catholic Church in Thailand rejoices as the Diocese of Chiang Mai welcomes its new shepherd, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Peter Suphot Roeksujarit, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the fifth Bishop of Chiang Mai on 7 May 2026. His episcopal ordination is set on 29 July 2026 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in Northern Thailand.
Bishop Peter succeeds Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, who faithfully shepherded the Diocese from 2009 until his appointment as Archbishop of Bangkok in January 2025. Following a period of vacancy, the faithful of Chiang Mai now welcome a pastor whose life has been characterized by dedication, humility, and over three decades of service to the Church.
Early Life and Vocation
Peter Suphot Roeksujarit was born on 2 November 1961 in Ayutthaya, Thailand, within the Archdiocese of Bangkok. Growing up in a country where Catholics comprise a small minority, he discerned God’s call to the priesthood at a young age.
He pursued his priestly formation at the Lux Mundi National Major Seminary in Sam Phran, where he completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology. On 3 June 1990, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Bangkok, embarking on a lifelong mission to proclaim the Gospel and serve the People of God.
Recognizing the importance of communication in evangelization, Fr. Peter continued his studies in 1991 at the Centre International de Recherche et de Communication Audiovisuelle “Expression de la Foi” in Lyon, France, specializing in Social Communications. This experience would later become a defining aspect of his ministry.
A Priest Dedicated to Evangelization
Upon returning to Thailand, Fr. Peter was appointed Director of the Catholic Media Department of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, a position he held for an impressive twenty years, from 1992 to 2012.
During this period, he became a leading figure in Catholic communications in Thailand, utilizing media as an instrument of evangelization and fostering greater engagement between the Church and society. His work reflected the Church’s call to bring the Gospel into the modern world, demonstrating that communication is not merely about sharing information but about building communion among God’s people.
His years in media ministry provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in the twenty-first century, preparing him for future leadership roles.
A Pastor Close to His People
While Bishop Peter’s contributions to Catholic media are noteworthy, his ministry has always been deeply rooted in pastoral service.
From 2012 to 2017, he served as Parish Priest of Saint Louis Church in Bangkok, where he accompanied parishioners through the joys and challenges of daily life. He subsequently served as Parish Priest of Saint Raphael Church from 2017 to 2021, continuing his commitment to building vibrant faith communities.
Those who have worked alongside him often describe him as a priest who listens attentively, values collaboration, and approaches ministry with humility and compassion. His pastoral experience has shaped him into a shepherd who understands the needs of the faithful and seeks to accompany them on their journey of faith.
Leadership and Service
In the years leading up to his appointment as bishop, Fr. Peter assumed several significant responsibilities within the Archdiocese of Bangkok. He served as:
- Director of the Baan Phu Waan National Pastoral Center in Sampran
- Episcopal Vicar for Personnel of the Archdiocese of Bangkok
- Chaplain to the Carmelite Sisters in Sampran
These roles entrusted him with the formation and support of clergy, religious, and lay leaders, while also deepening his appreciation for the diverse ministries that contribute to the life of the Church.
His extensive experience in administration, pastoral ministry, and communications has equipped him to lead one of Thailand’s most geographically diverse dioceses.
A Shepherd for Northern Thailand
Bishop Peter’s episcopal coat of arms beautifully reflects his mission and the Diocese he now serves. It incorporates symbols representing the mountains of Northern Thailand, the Ping River, and four lilies symbolizing the four provinces under his pastoral care. The inclusion of wheat grains signifies the many communities entrusted to him, emphasizing the abundant harvest awaiting laborers in the Lord’s vineyard.
His episcopal motto, centered on unity in the love of Christ, expresses his desire to bring people together through faith, compassion, and service.
As he begins his episcopal ministry, Bishop Peter assumes responsibility for shepherding a diverse flock that includes parish communities, ethnic minority groups, religious congregations, and the many institutions that serve the people of Northern Thailand.
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