Young leaders in focus: Successful Salesian Youth Assembly in Thailand

Young leaders in focus: Successful Salesian Youth Assembly in Thailand

From October 5th to 8th, 2025, the National Salesian Youth Assembly was held in Hua Hin, Thailand, a significant event for the Salesian Youth Movement. The venues were Hua Hin Vitthayalai School and Don Bosco Youth Center, where 216 participants including Salesians, teachers, youth leaders and young participants gathered. This gathering was organized by the Salesian Youth Ministry of Thailand and aimed to promote faith, friendship and leadership skills. The theme of the meeting was: “Salesian Youth: Smart Power towards the Centennial”.

A central aim of the event was to strengthen young leaders who should act as a positive force in society. Not only questions of faith, but also contemporary issues such as bullying and mental health were addressed in various activities and discussions. Brother Joseph Suwan Jutasompakorn SDB took the role of keynote speaker while Fr. Boonlert Paneetatthayasai SDB as Provincial Superior of the Salesian Province of Thailand presided over the meeting. Such events are not only meaningful to the participants, but also have the potential to have a far-reaching impact on the community.

The Salesian youth movement in focus

The Salesian Youth Movement (SJB) can look back on a long history. It was founded in 1988, in the 100th year of St. John Bosco's death, and is part of the Don Bosco family. This spirituality is based on St. Francis de Sales and is based on the preventive system that Don Bosco developed to provide young people with a positive education. The movement, which spread worldwide, is now recognized as a spiritual community in the Catholic Church and includes numerous national and international organizations committed to supporting young people.

• Ziele der SJB:
• Förderung der Begegnung und des Austausches
• Weiterbildung und spirituelle Vertiefung
• Organisation von Feierlichkeiten und gemeinschaftlichen Aktivitäten

It is particularly important to the SJB that it offers teenagers and young adults between the ages of 16 and 35 the opportunity to actively participate in Salesian projects, groups and other commitments. The common maxim “Joy unites” testifies to the happiness that the community wants to bring and underlines the positive attitude towards youth.

The gathering in Hua Hin was therefore not only a forum for discussions, but also a place of togetherness that embodied the values ​​and goals of the Salesian Youth Movement. The variety of topics and the involvement of young people in the challenges of our time make this movement an important part of Catholic youth work in Thailand.

Further information about the Salesian Youth Movement can be found on the website InfoANS as well as on the Facebook page