Thailand establishes itself as a halal hotspot

It wasn’t too long ago that travelling to another country meant leaving the creature comforts of our own countries behind for different cultures, different smells, different traditions and different food. Today, travelling tells a very different tale, especially in Thailand, more apparently if you’re Muslim.

Just last year, a total of 117,828 Muslims from the UAE alone travelled to Thailand. So not only is it proving a popular holiday hotspot but also the growing number of tourists has resulted in Thailand’s new approach to ensuring its readiness as a halal-friendly destination.

From certified hotels to restaurants and mosques, there’s a myriad of facilities that more than measure up to the strict standards observed by Muslims the country over. And rightly so, with a population of 67 million people in Thailand, 8.6 per cent of those are Muslim, which accounts for 5.8 million people practicing the religion.

THE FOOD

Be on the lookout for a brilliant blue box-like label called Thailand Diamond Halal. The Central Islamic Council of Thailand, the Halal Science Centre of Chulalongkorn University and the Halal Standard Institute of Thailand (three institutes dedicated to the practice) created and implemented the stamp of approval to symbolise safety across the food, consumables, medicines and cosmetics industries.

This huge step towards consumer health and safety says a lot about Thai dedication and determination to lower barriers between cultures and aid in the ease of following one’s religion.

From the supermarket to the street stalls, while not everything you come in contact with will be halal, a huge number of restaurants now go to great lengths to ensure the plates of tasty Thai food dished are in fact fit for Muslim consumption. Pad Thai, tom yam soup and a papaya salad? Yes, please and thank you. Even international hotel chains including the InterContinental and the Banyan Tree observe this practice.

THE FACILITIES

Interestingly, Islam is the second largest religion in the kingdom of Thailand, next to Buddhism. So, in order to cater to the needs of those who practice, the Royal Thai Government (RTG), provides facilities to those ready to teach and observe the religion.

Moreover, as part of this plight there are 3,600 mosques in the country and 180 of those are in the city of Bangkok alone. As well, there are over 600 Muslim schools in Thailand. So, far from being a minority, this city is well equipped to cater to Islamic travellers, of which they’re 108 million. This equates to 10 per cent of the entire travel market and the number is expected to grow to 150 million by 2020. So what does this mean expenditure wise? We’re talking $200 billion.

For Thailand to continue on their wave towards becoming number one, their future prospects include complete halal-friendly hotels and public facilities including shopping malls with prayer facilities, Islamic and General Heritage tours, bespoke Muslim-friendly travel packages and Muslim-friendly health-care facilities.

Medical tourism is on the rise too in this tropical holiday destination and there’s a clear influx of Arab tourists who have tapped into the expertise of doctors in the region. These visits are coupled with a gastronomic delight of fresh halal-friendly foods to mend patients back to health and some down town at a five-star (again halal-friendly) hotel before heading  back home.

The Bangkok Hospital in particular is a popular choice, with the internationally recognised chain launching the Arabic Medical Services (AMS) wing in 2006. So as far as facilities go, Thailand is a stellar example of a wholesome go-to home away from home.

THE APP

In a digital development that far surpasses other halal-friendly destinations, the Thai Government together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand have created an app that literally lists over 500 go-to halal-friendly locations. Launched on June 22 this year The Muslim Friendly Destination Application is an index of food outlets, masjids, attractions and hotels that all cater to the Muslim market.

It also comes complete with a guidebook, a rating system (allowing those who have been to the locations before to comment on its appeal), a navigation system to get you from your location to the place of interest, search capability for nearby locations as well as a ‘My Favourite’ section – so you can save selections before you travel or for when you choose to visit again. Simply download the app on iOS or Android from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It’s your own personal halal-friendly pocket guide.

Overall, the Muslim travel market was estimated to be worth $145 billion in 2014. So as one of the fastest-growing travel sectors in the world its no wonder Thailand is pushing to take poll position on the top 10 non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations.

And with food, facilities and the easy-to-use app already in place, they’ll be hard to beat. Currently ranked second, Thailand has so far outshone the UK, South Africa, France and the USA with their Thainess towards halal.

By Shannon Wylie  

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Little Arabia

Laguna Lăng Cô, developer of Laguna Lăng Cô in Thua Thien-Hue province, is moving forward with phase two of its master plan development: a condominium development and additional residential hill villas overlooking the East Sea. 

Phase one comprised Welcome to Little Arabia. Nestled between Bangkok’s districts Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 5, this cultural community is a well-known location amidst those hailing from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Fragrant food filters in from African and Islamic regions, including delicious dishes from Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt and India. Little Arabia comes complete with Halal-friendly sans alcohol eateries too, which are open 24/7. Not to mention there are souks stocked with Middle Eastern clothing, which distinguishes this hidden gem from other more traditional Thai touting markets. Little Arabia really is a slice of desert delight. of a 57-villa Banyan Tree resort, 229-room Angsana resort, luxury residences, Nick Faldo designed championship golf course, two spas, ten restaurants and bars and a conference centre. Phase IIA will include additional luxury accommodations and the possible addition of a gaming facility.

A request for concepts for the gaming facility was issued on May 26, 2015 and is due on September 15 after a deadline extension.

The selection of a gaming operator is expected to coincide with the convening of the national assembly in early 2016 and subsequent discussions about how to proceed with gaming and tourism development, and the creation of a more robust regulatory regime and gaming licensing policy.