The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand under the patronage of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand to lead two Thai representatives to participate in the 57th International Al-Quran Reciter’s Assembly.
         The competition was organized by the Government of Malaysia under the theme “Unity,the Pulse of National Transformation” at Putra World Trade Centre during 9 - 14 June 2015. Apart from the two Thai representatives, Mr. Prasarn Sricharoen, an expert at the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, was also one among the fifteen juries of this event. Ms. Sameeha Talohding from Thailand won the 5th prize of the Qariah (female reciter) competition and was awarded 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit by Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan. The Indonesian reciter won the 1st prize.
         As for the Qari (male reciter) competition, an Iranian reciter won the 1st prize while Mr. Prasert Banba from Thailand was selected to perform in a choir in front of distinguished guests at the Closing Ceremony, which included Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Since 2006, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has provided financial support to the Muslim Association of Al-Quran Reader of Thailand under the patronage of the Sheikhul Islam in order to bring Thai reciters to attend the competitions abroad.
         The Royal Thai Embassies also play an important role in taking care of Thai Al-Quran reciters. At this year’s competition in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Damrong Kraikruan, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, hosted the Thai delegation a welcoming dinner and the Embassy staff attended the competition to give moral support to the Thai competitors. These Thai reciters played significant roles as Thai Cultural Ambassadors who promote the country’s image especially on freedom of religion in the eyes of international community. Furthermore, the competition provided a valuable opportunity for Thai reciters to develop their skills and establish networks with the international Muslim community.