On 9 – 15 September 2018, the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invited media representatives from four Muslim countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Media Familiarisation Trip to Thailand Programme 2018.

              On this occasion, media representatives learned about various aspects of Thailand, especially its economic potential and multicultural society which can be promoted in their respective countries. They also met with representatives from Thailand’s leading organisations such as the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand, Bangkok Hospital, Halal Science Centre of Chulalongkorn University, Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre, and Processing Plant of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co., Ltd. and received briefings on their potential in respective sectors and best practices that could contribute to national development.

               Furthermore, media representatives also traveled to prominent destinations such as Khao Yai Thieng Community and Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Baan Krua Silk Community, Jim Thompson House Museum and were accommodated at the Al Meroz, Thailand’s first halal hotel in the heart of Bangkok, to gain first-hand experience about Thai-Muslim communities. On the same occasion, media representatives exchanged views with Professor Dr. Jaran Maluleem, a senior professor and renowned Muslim scholar in Thailand, and Mr. Sutham Boonmalert, the representative of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand at the welcoming dinner hosted by Mr. Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Director – General of the Department of Information, to gain deep insights on how people from different faiths live in the harmony in a multicultural society like Thailand, where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution.

               Such programme is held annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Ministry’s public diplomacy and outreach. The programme is designed to enhance understanding about Thailand for media representatives which would serve to strengthen the relations between Thailand and the Muslim world.