Tucked away in a quiet lane off Witthayu (Wireless) Road, Holy Redeemer Church is one of Bangkok’s most distinctive places of worship — a Roman Catholic parish built in the style of a traditional Thai temple, complete with a soaring, tiered roofline that leads many first-time visitors to mistake it for a wat rather than a Catholic church.
History
Holy Redeemer Church was founded by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), whose first missionaries arrived in Thailand on 1 May 1949. The earliest congregation worshipped in a small wooden structure nicknamed “Our Lady of the Garage,” before moving to a converted clinic and later to Mater Dei School’s hall while a permanent site was sought.
In early 1954, the Redemptorists acquired land on Soi Ruam Rudi, reachable from both Sukhumvit and Wireless (Witthayu) Roads. Construction began that same year under Italian architect Acinelli, who — at the suggestion of the American prelate Msgr. Fulton Sheen — designed the church in traditional Thai architectural style rather than the French style then in fashion. The building was completed and dedicated on 24 October 1954, in a ceremony attended by roughly 3,000 people.
Today the parish continues to serve a large and diverse congregation, including many of Bangkok’s international residents, and is known for its extensive community outreach — from food assistance and elder care to hosting a COVID-19 vaccination centre for nearby communities during the pandemic.
Architecture
From the outside, Holy Redeemer’s steep, multi-tiered roof and ornamental spires closely resemble a Buddhist temple, with a cross atop the structure the clearest sign of its Catholic identity. Inside, the layout is entirely traditional Catholic: a central aisle, pews, holy water fonts, and an altar featuring a golden figure of Christ. The church has no air conditioning — its open side doors provide natural ventilation, a design that proved especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Facts
Denomination: Roman Catholic (Archdiocese of Bangkok)
Founded: 1949 (current church building dedicated 1954)
Address: 123/15 Ruamrudee Soi 5, Witthayu (Wireless) Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: +66 2 651 5251 / 5252 / 5253
Email: redeemerbangkok@gmail.com
Website: www.holyredeemerbangkok.org
Facebook: facebook.com/holyredeemerbangkok
YouTube: @holyredeemerbkk
Nearest BTS: Phloen Chit Station
Office Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Maps Location – https://share.google/I2QVSqLigxXiLdkhO
Mass Times
Mass is celebrated daily in both English and Thai. As schedules can change, always check the parish website or Facebook page for the latest times before visiting. As a general guide:
- Weekdays: services in Thai and English
- Sunday (English): 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM
- Sunday (Thai): 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:00 PM
- Saturday vigil: 5:30 PM (English), 7:00 PM (Thai)
Photo Credit – Holy Redeemer Church Bangkok – https://maps.app.goo.gl/sLsNKzQZ2docmhoP7
