OIC envoys’ visit sparks hope for trade, tourism in Thailand’s South
Ambassadors from eight Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries visited Thailand’s southern border provinces recently to study the multicultural society and potential for trade, investment, tourism and education.
Yindee Poonpinyo, president of the Career Group Network in Yala, said she hopes the province will attract international buyers who recognise its potential. To achieve this, she said, the government should align with target countries’ demands.
Sabareeyah Chemoh, the village head of Sala Lookkai in Narathiwat, emphasised the importance of tourism for the local economy.
“We hope the ambassadors promote our provinces in their countries,” she said, adding that there was a need for more government support in many areas.
Sabareeyah noted that there are plenty of Thai students studying the Holy Quran and Islam in OIC countries, adding that education is another area where more support is needed.
Concerns over insurgency
Meanwhile, Wannapong said SBPAC recognises that insurgency in the deep South is a primary concern for tourists and investors. However, he said, as per the National Security Council’s data, attacks have shown a downward trend since 2016. Between October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, there were 56 acts of violence resulting in 22 deaths, marking a 66% reduction compared to 2017, when 166 acts of violence were recorded.
“Locals are very keen on tourism and investment. They are more than open to it and this is an important first step. Others will follow,” added Thanawat from the Department of Information.
Separately, Brunei Ambassador Pengiran Sahari Pengiran Salleh noted several cultural similarities between the deep South and his country, and highlighted Thailand as a key trading partner, especially in rice imports.
The ambassador said he hoped this visit would encourage other OIC countries to explore new opportunities in sectors like halal food and other industries in the South of Thailand.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also doubles as deputy PM, said this visit strengthened bilateral ties, contributing to stability, sustainability and prosperity. He also highlighted Thailand’s commitment to cooperating with Muslim countries in food security, energy and climate change.
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 50th, 65th and 76th, 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.
