BANGKOK, Thailand – The Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharag, has met with the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss Thailand’s efforts in developing its southern border provinces. The meeting, attended by Thai diplomatic representatives, discussed governance, religious freedom, and economic growth in the region.
During the talks, the SBPAC Secretary-General outlined the Thai government’s approach to promoting social harmony and ensuring the rights of all religious communities, particularly in the southern border provinces, where the majority of the population are Thai Muslims. He also affirmed Thailand’s adherence to providing shared spaces for interfaith activities and addressing economic challenges through job creation and improved access to education.
The OIC Secretary-General acknowledged Thailand’s work in ensuring equal rights and comprehensive care for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion. He commended the government’s efforts in addressing socio-economic disparities and its focus on human rights and inclusivity.
In addition to supporting Thailand’s peacebuilding efforts in the southern border provinces, the OIC welcomed the government’s efforts to create a multicultural society based on mutual respect. The organization also expressed its willingness to cooperate with Thailand to advance long-term social and economic development. (NNT)
