Bangkok, January 25, 2025 – In a momentous occasion today, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) awarded Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of Saudi Arabia, the prestigious First-Class Medal for Influential Global Islamic Personality of 2024. The medal was presented by Arun Boonchom, the president of the Bangkok Islamic Affairs Committee, during a special ceremony in Thailand.
The event took place in conjunction with Sheikh Al Alsheikh’s official visit to Thailand, where he is leading the Kingdom's delegation at the 3rd ASEAN Summit. The ceremony, attended by a distinguished gathering of ministers, political and religious figures, as well as heads of councils, associations, and religious institutions, was a recognition of Al Alsheikh’s exceptional contributions to the global Muslim community.
The First-Class Medal was awarded to Sheikh Al Alsheikh in acknowledgment of his tireless efforts in promoting the values of Islam, particularly his work in advancing moderation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. His commitment to combating extremism and hate speech has had a significant impact on fostering a balanced understanding of Islam, both within the Muslim world and in interactions with global communities. The award serves as a testament to his dedication to promoting the true teachings of Islam, which emphasize compassion, understanding, and mutual respect.
In his remarks upon receiving the medal, Sheikh Al Alsheikh expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the honor, extending his thanks to the Sheikhul Islam in Thailand for their tireless efforts in spreading the noble values of Islam. He acknowledged the significant role that the Central Islamic Council of Thailand has played in serving the Muslim community in the country, particularly in promoting a culture of moderation and balanced perspectives in the face of contemporary challenges.
Sheikh Al Alsheikh praised the Thai Islamic community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, highlighting the importance of maintaining harmony between different faiths and cultures. He emphasized that the role of Islamic leaders and institutions is crucial in nurturing an environment where tolerance and dialogue flourish, ensuring that Islam’s true message of peace and mutual respect is understood and upheld across the globe.
The ceremony also underscored the important collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Thailand in promoting Islamic values and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations. Sheikh Al Alsheikh’s visit to Thailand and the recognition by CICOT further strengthened the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, marking a significant step in their shared efforts to promote peace, harmony, and the welfare of the global Muslim community.
As the event concluded, Sheikh Al Alsheikh’s award highlighted his esteemed position as a global leader in advocating for the values of moderation and peace, as well as his ongoing commitment to advancing the principles of Islam in a way that fosters understanding and respect on the world stage. This recognition is a reflection of his invaluable contributions to building a more tolerant and harmonious world, where people of all backgrounds can live together in peace and mutual respect.