On 7th May 2014, Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information and Ministry’s Spokesperson, gave an interview to the press on the 21st Universal Glorious Al-Quran Competition in Cairo, Egypt.

Ministry’s Spokesperson said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand provided financial support for a representative from the Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand under the patronage of Sheikhul Islam of Thailand to accompany Mr. Muhammad Kaping, who represented Thailand at the 21st Universal Glorious Al-Quran Competition in Cairo during 5 - 10 April 2014.

The Universal Glorius Al-Quran Competition in Cairo is co-organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments (Al-Awqaf) and Al-Azhar University and takes place annually during the months of Ramadan.  However, as the 21st Competition had been postponed from last year, the host decided to reschedule it before the Ramadan. Among the 94 representatives from 65 countries at this year’s competition, the Thai reciter participated in the Hafalan 20 Juz category.  He did not win any award, but received quite an attention as a representative from the country where Muslims are not the majority. This competition was also a good experience for both the Thai reciter and Thai Al-Quran reading circles. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Peerasak Chantavarin, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt attended the opening of the Competition and hosted lunch for the delegation.  The Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo also arranged a meeting between the delegation and the President and Board of Directors of the Thai Students’ Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage as well as the Thai students in Egypt to discuss and exchange views on religion and education. 

Since 2006, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has supported and encouraged Thai Al-Quran reciters to participate in international Al-Quran memorizing and reading competitions will provide a valuable opportunity for the Thai reciters to develop their skills, build networks with the international Muslim community, and promote a better understanding of freedom of religion in Thailand among the international community.