The ceremonies for the 69-year-old new archbishop were conducted on March 2 in the presence of two cardinals who led the archdiocese before him -- Michael Michai Kitbunchu and Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij.
Arpondratana urged the Catholics to "walk together" and seize the opportunity of Jubilee 2025 for a genuine "spiritual renewal" in the archdiocese of some 115,000 Catholics.
Pope Francis named him archbishop of Bangkok on Jan. 11. He comes to Bangkok after spending 15 years as bishop of Chiang Mai, an office given to him 2009
Arpondratana was ordained a priest 44 years ago in Bangkok, and the new appointment is like a homecoming for him, said Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand and Cambodia, in his welcome message.
The nuncio said Arpondratana's experiences in Chiang Mai have "prepared you well for the responsibilities to come." He wanted the new archbishop to imitate the missionary zeal of his namesake, St. Francis Xavier.
Arpondratana acknowledged the long history of the Archdiocese of Bangkok and the privilege of continuing the mission of the local Church as he addressed the gathering.
Reflecting on his past 15 years, he thanked all Catholics in Chiang Mai for supporting him despite hardships such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive floods that hit the region.
"I accept this appointment with confidence in God's mercy," he added, thanking Cardinals Kitbunchu and Kovithavanij.
In particular, he lauded Cardinal Kovithavanij's initiative to launch twelve mission stations and pledged to continue it in collaboration with the Thai Mission Society.
"I know I'm not the best, but I'll do my best to help the Archdiocese of Bangkok become a true community of Christ's disciples, proclaiming the New Evangelization," he continued.
He encouraged the Catholics to seize the opportunity offered by Jubilee 2025 and its theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," to experience a genuine spiritual renewal.
"In the past, a bishop guided his flock with a shepherd's staff, but today, Pope Francis calls us to walk together, listening to one another with all our hearts," he said, referring to the theme of synodality in the Church.
He said, guided by the Church's teachings, "We can move forward together in faith, through joys and trials, to bring the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all."