Chin Youth Visiting Thailand Join Peacemaker Program

Bangkok, Thailand – A group of two pastors and ten youths from the Chin Christian Council in Australia (CCCA) visited the UPF Peace Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand on July 10, 2026, as part of their 10-day educational tour through Thailand. UPF-Thailand,  in collaboration with FFWPU Indochina and IAYSP Thailand, prepared a special youth leadership training program for them on the theme “Let’s Become Peacemakers.”

After a light dinner, FFWPU representative Ms. NweNwe from Myanmar – which is home to the Chin people – began the program with the song “Where Peace Begins,” followed by an opening prayer. Then Rev. Moonnoie Niyomchok, director of FFWPU Indochina, warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his joy to be able to meet and interact with the Chin group. 

After a brief video introduction of UPF-International, Ms. Ursula McLackland, president of UPF-Asia Pacific, gave the main message, “How to Become a Peacemaker: Spiritual Values as the Foundation for Good Leadership.” She explained to the young people that the essential qualities to be a peace leader – such as love, compassion, commitment and willingness to sacrifice – are learned in the family.

She also emphasized that religious teachings help one to be introspective, to learn to love and forgive others rather than retaliate and seek revenge for hurt or injury. Only such qualities can help reverse ancient patterns of injustice and abuse, she said. This message resonated with the audience, as many of the participants had experienced displacement from their homeland, and refugee life.

Mr. Pasit Sirimalai, adviser of UPF-Myanmar, shared his experiences while working in Myanmar during its golden era when the people had a lot of hope for change and a bright future. He reminisced on the many beautiful experiences and friendships with Christian pastors from the Chin community.

After a short break, all participants were refreshed and sang together a popular Chin song depicting the beautiful nature and culture of the Chin people. Then Ms. NweNwe shared her testimony of teaching Myanmar children in Ranong in the south of Thailand. Parents who were busy earning a living gratefully entrusted their children to her care during the day.

As the evening drew to a close, two of the Chin youth expressed their gratitude for the presentation, saying they had learned a lot and felt greatly encouraged. Pastor Peng Ling and Pastor James echoed the students’ feelings and hope for further cooperation between UPF and CCCA. They explained the difficulties faced by the Chin internally displaced persons, and the CCCA’s continuous efforts to provide essential support for their food, education, etc.

UPF-Thailand secretary general, Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, gave warm-hearted closing remarks, thanking everyone for coming and expressing his thoughts about how much he learned about the Chin people through this interaction.

By Ursula McLackland, President, UPF-Asia-Pacific July 20, 2026