On 27 February 2014, Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a briefing to the media of Thailand’s triumph in “The Annual Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Alu Saud Competition on the Memorization of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah for ASEAN and Pacific Countries”.

Mr. Affan Tohwae-Ayi represented Thailand in the said event. He won the first prize of the Hafalan 30 Juz Al-Quran competition and received a certificate, 16,000 Saudi Riyal and financial support to perform the Hajj Pilgrimage. 13 countries from ASEAN and Pacific and Central Asia, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan participated in this competition which was jointly organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Jakarta, Indonesia during 11 – 16 February 2014. 

Upon this occasion, H.E. Mr. Paskorn Siriyaphan,  Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Mr. Suvat Chirapant, Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, hosted a dinner for the delegation and arranged them to meet with Thai students in Indonesia to discuss and exchange knowledge and views on education. The Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand is recognized by the Royal Thai Government as the national specialized organization on Al-Quran under the patronage of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand. Since 2006, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has provided support to the Association by granting funds as well as assisting in related coordination and facilitation. Participation in international Al-Quran competitions provides a valuable opportunity for Thai reciters to develop their skills, build networks with the international Muslim community as well as to promote a better understanding of Thailand among the international community on freedom of religion.