In early November, the Thai government discussed elevating the halal industry to boost exports to Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. In response, the government proposed establishing a Halal Industry Department under the Ministry of Industry to further develop and regulate the sector. This initiative has garnered attention from Thai Muslim communities, government agencies, and academic institutions, all of which are closely monitoring the changes.
Kurik University, through its International Islamic College, fully supports this initiative, recognizing the potential of halal products, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and services, in global markets. The College integrates business management with Islamic principles, offering specialized programs like Halal Industry and Islamic Finance. The College is also focused on building international networks for academic exchange, with initial partnerships with organizations in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Key figures in the Thai halal industry, such as Prof. Dr. Jaran Malulim and Dr. Sarawut Andsun, have emphasized the importance of international collaboration, citing examples from Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Malaysia’s SIRIM. These organizations play crucial roles in halal certification and setting international standards for halal products. The Central Islamic Council of Thailand’s certification system is now recognized by Saudi Arabia, creating a mutual recognition framework for Thai halal exports.
The overarching goal is to position Thailand as a Halal Hub in Southeast Asia, leveraging global halal networks and ensuring that Thai halal products are trusted worldwide. The International Islamic College is committed to bridging Thai and international halal organizations to support the growth and credibility of Thailand’s halal industry.
