- Thailand establishes the Muslim Scholars Council, following an MoU between the Higher Education Ministry and the Central Islamic Council to strengthen Islamic education and research.
- Council to serve as a national academic platform, promoting collaborative research, curriculum development and nurturing young Islamic scholars.
- First phase of the Thailand Centre for Islamic Education launched, linking 12 universities and colleges to build a nationwide network for Islamic studies.
Thailand has formally announced the establishment of the Muslim Scholars Council of Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen Islamic education and promote academic research at the national level. The announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, signalling a new phase of structured cooperation between state institutions and the Islamic scholarly community.
The signing ceremony took place in Bangkok on December 4 and brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders from government, academia and the religious community. The event was chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and was attended by Thailand’s Grand Mufti, senior ministry officials, diplomats, university leaders and researchers representing educational institutions from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, ministry officials said the establishment of the Muslim Scholars Council reflects a shared vision to elevate the quality and reach of Islamic education in Thailand. They said the council will serve as a national platform to support collaborative research, encourage academic exchange and contribute to the development of contemporary and context-sensitive Islamic curricula. By bringing scholars, educators and institutions under a common framework, the initiative aims to ensure that Islamic studies in Thailand keep pace with global academic standards while remaining rooted in local realities.
Representatives of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand said the new body would also play an important role in nurturing young scholars and researchers. They noted that providing structured academic pathways and research opportunities would help develop the next generation of Islamic thinkers, teachers and community leaders. The council, they added, is expected to promote dialogue between religious scholarship and modern disciplines, fostering a balanced approach to education and social development.
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The agreement also marked the official launch of the first phase of the Thailand Centre for Islamic Education. This initial phase involves 12 universities and community colleges from different regions of the country, forming a nationwide academic network focused on Islamic education and research. Officials described the centre as a cornerstone of the broader initiative, designed to facilitate resource sharing, joint programmes and coordinated research efforts among participating institutions.
Speaking at the event, government representatives said the initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader higher education strategy of inclusivity, cultural understanding and international engagement. They said the Muslim Scholars Council and the Thailand Centre for Islamic Education would help position the country as a regional hub for Islamic studies, contributing to cross-cultural exchange and strengthening academic ties within Southeast Asia and beyond.
Academics present at the ceremony welcomed the move, saying it acknowledges the importance of Islamic scholarship within Thailand’s diverse society. They expressed hope that the council would not only enhance academic excellence but also promote mutual understanding and social cohesion. As Thailand moves forward with the implementation of the agreement, officials said the focus would remain on collaboration, quality education and the meaningful integration of Islamic studies into the national academic landscape.
