A delegation of permanent representatives to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visits Thailand during 13 – 19 February 2016 as guest of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The visit will provide the delegation to receive first-hand information on the policy, current situation and development of the situation in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces (SBPs), including an on-site visit to the affected areas in Pattani and Yala provinces.

                        The delegation which consisted of representatives from Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Pakistan and Indonesia, paid a courtesy calls on Mr. Prasan Sricharoen, Chief Advisor to Sheikhul Islam of Thailand and H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on 14 February 2017. The Thai side reiterated that the issue of the SBPs is Thailand’s top national priority and updated the OIC delegation on the policy and efforts undertaken by the Royal Thai Government to address the situation via a comprehensive approach in accordance with the Royal advice of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej “Understand, Reach out, and Develop.” The delegation also took note of the Royal Thai Government’s determination to promote freedom of religions and the multicultural nature of Thai society.

                        During 15 – 17 February 2017, the delegation visited Pattani and Yala Provinces to obtain fist-hand information on key issues related to the situation in SBPs such as economic, social, education and security from competent authorities, namely: the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, Police Forensic Science Center 10, as well as academic institutions such as the Islamic College at Prince of Songkla University, and the Fatoni University.  The delegation also had the opportunity to meet and interact with local communities and civil society organizations in the areas through the visit to the Saikhao Community in Pattani and through Friday Prayer at the Central Mosque in Pattani. In addition, the delegation visited Ayutthaya province, where they met members of the Central Islamic Committee of Ayutthaya and visited a multi-cultural community at Wat Tha Ka Rong, where Bhuddists and Muslims coexist and interact as parts of the community.

                        Throughout the visit, the delegation takes note of positive developments in SBPs and the promotion of transparency and openness policy of the Royal Thai Government. The delegation is also pleased to see that Muslims and Buddhists are peacefully living in harmony, corresponding to the principle of Islam, which denounces violence of all kinds.

                        The OIC was established in 1969 and has been one of the most important inter-government organizations in the Muslim world. Thailand became an observer state of the OIC on 1 October 1997.