Official launch in Bangkok
As part of its global efforts to serve Islam and Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom's Embassy in Thailand, launched the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ramadan Programs" in Bangkok. The official launch ceremony was held on Monday, the fifth of Ramadan 1447 AH, in the presence of high-ranking officials from both countries, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and joint cooperation in Islamic affairs.
Diverse programs to support the Muslim community
The Ramadan initiative includes a range of programs designed to support Muslims in Thailand during the holy month. These programs include the "Iftar for the Fasting" program, which provides iftar meals to those in need, and the "Premium Dates Gift Program," which distributes dates that are an essential part of the iftar meal. Thousands of copies of the Holy Quran, published by the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran, will also be distributed. Additionally, the program includes sending imams to lead the Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers and to deliver religious lessons and lectures.
The ceremony was attended by a notable number of dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Thai Parliament, Mr. Muhammad Noor Maata, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani, and the Sheikh of Islam in Thailand, Sheikh Arun Boon Chum, along with a number of accredited ambassadors from Arab and Islamic countries and heads of Islamic councils and associations in the country.
As an extension of the Kingdom's efforts and a consolidation of bilateral relations
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ramadan programs are an annual global initiative implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in dozens of countries worldwide. These programs reflect the Kingdom's humanitarian and outreach mission and underscore its leading role in serving the causes of the Muslim world. The implementation of these programs in Thailand this year comes amidst a remarkable development in Saudi-Thai relations, which have returned to full normalcy and witnessed significant momentum across various fields, including religious and cultural cooperation. This opens new horizons for serving the Muslim community there, most of whom reside in the southern provinces of the country.
Positive impact and official and popular appreciation
For his part, Ambassador Al-Suhaibani explained that these programs are implemented in full coordination with the relevant authorities in Thailand and are distributed through Islamic councils, centers, charities, and mosques to ensure they reach the largest possible number of beneficiaries. In his remarks, the Sheikh of Islam in Thailand, Sheikh Arun Boon Chum, expressed his deep gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for these valuable initiatives, emphasizing that the Iftar and Dates programs are widely appreciated in Thailand for their direct impact on strengthening the spirit of solidarity and compassion among Muslims and supporting Islamic centers in fulfilling their mission during the holy month.
The impact of these initiatives is not limited to the relief and spiritual aspects only, but extends to be a bridge of cultural and religious diplomacy that enhances the positive image of the Kingdom, deepens the bonds of Islamic brotherhood, and consolidates the values of moderation and centrism that the Kingdom adopts as a method and behavior.
