OIC envoys’ visit sparks hope for trade, tourism in Thailand’s South

The delegation included ambassadors from Brunei, Egypt and Iran, as well as chargés d’affaires from Malaysia, Nigeria, and the Maldives. Joining them were deputy chiefs of mission from Indonesia and Uzbekistan, along with Thai ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Turkey. The OIC comprises 57 members.

Their visit has sparked hope among locals in the insurgency-hit South for an improvement in the export and tourism sectors. Thailand’s three southernmost provinces – Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat – have been lagging behind most of the country economically.

As per data released in 2019 by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), these provinces ranked 50^th, 65^th and 76^th, respectively out of Thailand’s 76 provinces in terms of per capita GDP. The economy in the three provinces is heavily reliant on agriculture and often suffers from unstable prices.

Wannapong Kotcharak, secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), pointed to two key issues holding the provinces back. They are unequal access to economic, educational and public health benefits, and socio-psychological challenges due to diverse identities and beliefs.

Yet, despite these challenges, he said, the three provinces still demonstrate significant potential.

Thanawat Sirikul, deputy director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information, agreed, saying: “We believe the ambassadors can play an important role in developing the region. We want them to see our harmonious society and have confidence in Thailand’s policies aimed at maintaining peace and improving lives, education and the economy.”

Explaining the visit of the OIC delegation, Thanawat said these nations share a connection with the South of Thailand’s predominantly Muslim population.

First-hand experience

As part of its itinerary, the delegation visited the Islamic Heritage Museum and Al-Quran Learning Centre in Narathiwat’s Yi-ngor district, which houses ancient Islamic texts and holy books, some more than 1,000 years old. This museum is considered a potential attraction for religious tourism.

The delegation also visited the Pattani Central Mosque, checked out local art such as Yaring batik and enjoyed local music and multicultural dance performances. They also met with the Luuk Rieng Group, a non-governmental organisation focusing on empowering youth and eradicating violence, and visited the Kota Baru Cultural Museum in Yala showcasing an ancient multicultural village.

Additionally, they engaged with small businesses in the three provinces.

“Even though we are just a small group within our community, we are ready to enter the international market. We just need an opportunity,” Kaneungnit Phattarapongnopkul, a member of the Yaring Batik Community Enterprise group which met the ambassadors, told The Nation.

The group, run by women in Pattani’s Yaring district, specialises in eco-friendly art on textiles inspired by natural elements.