On 24 December 2014, His Excellency General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, called on Mr. Aziz Phitakkumpol, Chularajmontri (Sheikhul Islam of Thailand), at the Sheikhul Islam Office.

On this occasion, H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs handed over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ contribution in the amount of 1 million Baht in support for the work of the Chularajmontri in his capacity as the Amirul Haj or Head of the Official Thai Haj Delegation who led 10,400 Muslim Thai Haj pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2013.

During their discussion, H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the importance the Ministry has always attached to Islamic affairs and the Muslim Thai community.  He also expressed the Ministry’s readiness to continue its support for the Thai Haj pilgrims, education of Muslim Thai youths, and welfare and activities of Thai students studying in Islamic countries, as well as its effort to foster cooperative relationship and good understanding between Thailand and Islamic countries.  H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs further stressed that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the Sheikhul Islam Office in these areas.

In this regard, the Churarajmontri expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the Ministry rendered to Islamic affairs and Haj activities, especially in providing assistance and facilities to the Thai Haj pilgrims and addressing their difficulties, inconveniences and obstacles during the Haj.  He also affirmed his Office’s willingness to support the work  of the Ministry in all  possible areas.

H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs  took this opportunity to express his appreciation to the Churarajmontri  for his tireless dedication to the Muslim Thai community,  particularly his effort to promote correct teachings and principles of Islam, which has helped enhance harmony and understanding among  the people of all faiths.