The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand under the patronage of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand in sending two Thai representatives to participate in the 58th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorizing Assembly. The competition was organized by the Government of Malaysia under the theme “Unity: the Pulse of National Transformation” at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, during 2 – 7 May 2016. 

            Representatives from 69 countries/territories who participated in the said competition were invited to take part in either the recitation category or the memorization category.Mr. Muhammad Hayeemusor and Ms. Kanokwan Sukthawon, who represented Thailand, entered the competition in recitation category. Even though they did not win any award, they received a lot of attention from local audience. The cheering Thai students made the event more vibrant so much so that they got special attention of Malaysian national television station which broadcasted the group. It is also noteworthy that Mr. Prasarn Sricharoen, an expert at the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, was among the fifteen judges of this event as well as the only judge who does not come from a Muslim majority country. 

             Since 2006, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has provided financial support to the Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand under the patronage of the Sheikhul Islam in bringing Thai reciters to attend competitions abroad. Respective Thai Embassies abroad also play an important role in taking care of Thai Al-Quran reciters. At this year’s competition in Kuala Lumpur, H.E. Damrong Kraikruan, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, hosted welcoming lunch  in honour of the Thai delegation. The Embassy staff and members of Thai community in Malaysia also attended the competition to give moral support to the Thai reciters.