On 29 March 2024, Mr. Sorut Sukthaworn, Ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Arun Boonchom, who was recently appointed as the 19th Sheikhul Islam (Chularajmontri), the spiritual leader of Thailand’s Muslims. Ambassador Sorut was joined by Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information.

Both sides exchanged views on existing and potential cooperation on Islamic affairs. Ambassador Sorut introduced the Ministry’s active roles in supporting Islamic affairs and the development of Southern Border Provinces (SBPs) of Thailand especially in education and multicultural diversity. The Ministry has joined hands with partners and provided the youths from SBPs opportunities to expand their horizon, enabling them to become an economic and social driving force for their home provinces. The “Little Chefs, Big Hearts” project for the members of Luukrieng Group recently held on 13-15 March 2024, for example, fostered a better understanding of Thai and international cuisine and explored opportunities to enter culinary career. Meanwhile, the Thai missions in the Muslim countries have engaged Thai students studying abroad with projects that hone necessary skills and prepare them before entering the job market in Thailand. Regarding multicultural diversity, the Sheikhul Islam mentioned his recent participation at the Muslim World League in Saudi Arabia on 15-19 March 2024 that Thailand was commended by Islamic friends for being an interfaith, peaceful and harmonious society.