‘World’s Halal Kitchens’ planned in Thailand

Thailand aims to turn its southern border provinces into “world Halal kitchens” by promoting the manufacturing of food along Islamic traditions.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sreeon said on Friday that the plan is part of the government’s economic stimulation policy for the southern economic corridor covering the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla and Satun.

Speaking at a meeting in Yala with ministry executives and provincial governors, Chalermchai said the 4-point plan for the border provinces covers the following:

• Boosting the manufacturing of agricultural products and halal food for consumption in the five provinces and for export to other Muslim countries.
• Improving the quality and standard of agricultural products and halal foods, as well as facilitating the halal certification process for new manufacturers.
• Exploring new markets for halal products and services via bilateral or multilateral cooperation.

Chalermchai said his ministry will also work with the Commerce Ministry in appointing a commerce ambassador in each southern border province to spearhead the promotion of halal products locally as well as across the border and overseas.

 “The halal food market has a strong potential as there are more than 2 billion Muslims worldwide. We will promote the five southern border provinces to become food security areas capable of supplying halal food to this gigantic market and become one of the world’s key halal kitchens. This will also boost the country’s economy,” the minister said.