On the evening of 11 October 2006, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, Mrs. Pacharin Pibulsonggram, and Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri attended the Iftar Dinner, or fast-breaking dinner, for the year A.H. 1427, hosted by Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont and Colonel Khunying Chitravadee Chulanont, his wife, at the Government House. The dinner was held for Muslim members of the diplomatic corps in Thailand, with ambassadors, charges d?affaires, and consular representatives from 16 countries joining the function (from Turkey, Bangladesh, Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and Syria).
The Thai participants were General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, Chairman of the Council for National Security, who is a Muslim; members of the Cabinet, representatives of the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, members of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, religious leaders and other personalities from various circles in the Thai Muslim community, representatives of Islamic organizations in Thailand and abroad, Islamic media, and officials concerned, totaling 150 guests.
After the Muslims participants had prayed together, the Prime Minister invited them to break the fast. In his welcoming speech before the dinner, the Prime Minister stated that the Royal Thai Government respects the freedom of worship and the observance by all Thais of religious practices in accordance with their faiths, and considered Islam as one of humanity?s major religions. In Thailand, Islam is the second largest religion after Buddhism. The Muslim way of life has been an integral part of Thai society ever since the founding of the Kingdom of Sukhothai many centuries ago. The Prime Minister referred to the spiritual significance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, when the observance of fasting is considered as an important duty of Muslims all over the world so as to honour God and to cleanse and purify their bodies and souls from worldly activities. He also said that the Government is always ready to support the activities of our Muslim brothers to promote good morals that will help elevate the people?s spirits, quality of life, and the betterment of Thai society as a whole.
The Royal Thai Government has been hosting Iftar Dinner during the Holy Month of Ramadan for Muslim members of the diplomatic corps and the Thai Muslim community every year since 2004 or A.H. 1425, alternately at the Government House or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(For the Prime Minister's Welcoming Remarks at the Iftar Dinnerr please see www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=17728 ) |
Site map 
Contact Us
About Thailand
About Thailand
General Information
ACD
In Focus
