The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani (Dioecesis Ubonratchathaniensis, ) is located in north-east Thailand. It is a suffragan diocese of the archdiocese of Thare and Nonseng. The diocese covers an area of , covering seven provinces of Thailand - Amnat Charoen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Sisaket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon. In 2001, of the 7.7 million citizens, 24,760 were members of the Catholic Church. It is divided into 55 parishes, with 42 priests altogether. History The Vicariate Apostolic of Ubon was created on May 7, 1953, when the Vicariate Apostolic of Thare was split. In 1965, the western part of the territory was separated and became the Vicariate Apostolic of Nakhon Ratchasima. On December 18, 1965, the Vicariate Apostolic was elevated to a diocese. Cathedral The cathedral of the diocese is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, located in Ubon Ratchathani. Bishops Claudius Philippe Bayet, M.E.P.: May 7, 1953 - August 13, 1969 (resigned) Claude Germain Berthold, M.E.P.: April 9, 1970 - May 24, 1976 (resigned) Michael Bunluen Mansap: May 21, 1976 - March 25, 2006 (retired) Philip Banchong Chaiyara, C.Ss.R: appointed March 25, 2006 External links Website of diocese catholic-hierarchy.org Ubon Ratchathani Ubon Ratchathani Amnat Charoen province Maha Sarakham province Roi Et province Sisaket province Surin province Ubon Ratchathani province Yasothon province