Sheikhul Islam of Thailand

Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, the Head of Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Thailand

During the Ayutthaya period, specifically under the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat (1448–1488), the sakdina (feudal rank) hierarchy lists the position of "Chularatchamontri," sometimes spelled "Jularatchamontri." This title was held by the head of the Department of the Right Harbor (Krom Tha Khwa), who oversaw all "Khaek" (a term for foreigners, particularly those from the Islamic world). However, the identity of the person holding this position during that time is unknown.

Evidence of an acting Chularatchamontri first appeared during the reign of King Ekathotsarot (1605–1618), but their name remains unrecorded.

It was definitively during the reign of King Songtham (1620–1628) that the position's first known holder was appointed. The King graciously appointed Sheikh Ahmad to the royal service with the title Phraya Sheikh Ahmad Rattanaratchasethi, placing him in charge of the Department of the Right Harbor.

Because of this appointment, Sheikh Ahmad is considered the first Sheikhul Islam of Thailand. He served a dual role, functioning as both a foreign minister and a spiritual leader for Thai Muslims. His responsibilities included:

• International Relations: Managing affairs with foreign countries and receiving state guests.

• Commerce: Collecting import and export taxes, and overseeing international maritime trade.

• Religious Affairs: Supervising matters related to Islam within the Kingdom of Siam.

  Sheikhul Islam of Thailand in the Democratic Era

  After the change in government, the position of Sheikhul Islam of Thailand underwent a significant transformation. Previously, the position was appointed by the King and had always been held by a member of the Sheikh Ahmad lineage, who followed the Shia branch of Islam.

  However, the system was changed to an election. Now, the Chularatchamontri is chosen by representatives from provincial Islamic committees, and the elected individual is always a follower of the Sunni branch of Islam, which is the majority group among Muslims in Thailand.

  The position of Sheikhul Islam of Thailand was first revived in 1945 under the government of Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong. At that time, the Chularatchamontri served as a royal advisor to the monarch on Islamic religious affairs.

  This changed in 1948 when Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram's government redefined the role, making the Chularatchamontri an advisor to the Department of Religious Affairs within the Ministry of Education.

  However, a significant change came with the enactment of the Islamic Organizational Administration Act of 1997 (B.E. 2540). This law officially designated the Chularatchamontri as the leader of Islamic affairs in Thailand with the following duties:

  - To Provide Counsel and Opinions to the Government on Islamic Religious Affairs.

  - To Pppoint Qualified Experts to Provide Counsel on Islamic religious law.

  - Announcement of the results of moon-sighting to determine important religious dates.

  - To issue announcements regarding religious rulings (fatwas) based on Islamic law.

  - To serve as the organizing chairman for the annual Thailand Grand Mawlid Festival.

  This law also formally established the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand. The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand serves as its chairman, and the committee includes members who are representatives from the provincial Islamic committees as well as other members nominated by the Chularatchamontri. This committee plays a key role in the administration of Islamic religious organizations. Meanwhile, the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand functions as the administrative body for the Chularatchamontri.

  Shortly after the law was enacted, the then-The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Mr. Prasert Mahamad, passed away. The next person to be elected to the position was Mr. Sawas Sumalayasak, who was over 94 years old at the time. He became the first The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand to be elected under the new law, holding the position until his passing on March 24, 2010.

  On May 16, 2010, a meeting of all provincial Islamic committees nationwide resolved that Mr. Aziz Phitakkumpol was the most suitable person to succeed Mr. Sawas Sumalayasak. He was royally appointed as the 18th The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand on June 6, 2010. He held the position until his passing on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

  Subsequently, during the selection and approval meeting for the next The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Mr. Aroon Boonchom, aged 74, was chosen to be the 19th The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand.

  Click to visit the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand website.