The diplomatic corps from 8 OIC countries, alongside Ambassadors of Thailand and MFA executives, under the project “Ambassadors’ Visit to the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs) of Thailand 2024,” arrived in Narathiwat province to attend a reception greeted by the Governor of Narathiwat province, who also gave welcoming remarks on 12 June 2024.
On this occasion, students from Ban Sugnaikolok School performed for the delegation through a vibrant story on Narathiwat and the school’s collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance youth capacity development under public diplomacy and the Young Ambassadors of Virtue Foundation programme, which has aimed to expand network and opportunities for strengthening communities and uplifting people’s quality of life. Another performance was a mixture of Tarikipas (Fan), Manorah, Chinese, and Thai Long Drum dances, which illustrates the multicultural society, by students from Narathiwat School.
Later, on 13 June 2024, the delegation visited the Museum of Islamic Cultural Heritage and Al-Quran Learning Center to be briefed on information about lifestyles of muslim communities in the south, architecture and festivals, local handicrafts, southern cuisine and snacks, facilitation schemes for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as ancient Holy Quran collection from around the world, including 1,030-year inscription on goat skin, 200-year inscription on bark, and scriptures restoration to the near-original condition.
Afterwards, the delegation had a study visit at the Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Centre (RDSC), as well as was briefed and surveyed the working area managing natural resources while offering employment opportunities, especially soil aggregation theory and new theory for soil health adaptable to local climate and soil structure, with an objective to enhance the quality of life through Royal Projects. In addition, the delegation also appreciated the Centre’s agricultural products and local handicrafts. (MFA)
