In a monumental moment for Thailand’s Muslim population, Arun Boonchom, the incumbent president of the eminent Islamic Affairs Committee of Bangkok, has won an esteemed election, ascending to the distinguished title of the 19th Sheikhul Islam (Chularajmontri). He’s poised to spiritually guide the Muslim community of the region, succeeding the late Aziz Phitakkumpon.
Commencing their journey at the prestigious National Administration Centre for Islamic Affairs in the Nong Chok district, Wednesday morning ushered in a new era. The event hall echoed with anticipation as Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset took on the role of election chairman, ensuring the process remained smooth and fair.
A highlight of this noteworthy event was the robust competition faced by Boonchom. The title of Sheikhul Islam, also known as Chularajmontri, isn’t one granted lightly. Two other esteemed individuals contested him for the extraordinary honor. Prasarn Sricharoen, deputy chairman of a panel of specialists at the Sheikhul Islam Office, and Wisoot Binlateh, a revered imam at Ban Nuea mosque in Songkhla, were equally significant contenders.
Nevertheless, Mr. Arun, with his profound wisdom and dignified persona, eloquently won over the heart of the election. His victory steered clear of the margin line, with him triumphantly collecting 471 votes out of the total 724 cast. It was truly a congregation of unity with representatives from Islamic committees hailing from 40 provinces across the nation, expressing their unwavering faith in him.
The forthcoming protocol will be the submission of the newly elected Sheikhul Islam’s name to the Interior Ministry, which will then be put forth for royal endorsement. This move will cement Mr. Arun’s position, thereby formally initiating his role as the spiritual leader of Thailand’s Muslims.
Peeking into his illustrative educational background, Mr. Arun boasts of a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies from the respected Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Further augmenting his global perspective, the intellectual trailblazer also holds another bachelor’s degree in international relations from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand.
Prior to his recent triumph, Mr. Arun served as the deputy president of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand. His contribution doesn’t end there; he was also the chairman of a panel of specialists at the Sheikhul Islam Office and vice president of the Islamic Teacher Relations Association of Thailand under royal patronage. With firm pillars of expertise and knowledge backing him, Mr. Arun is set to yield a new era of spiritual leadership for Thailand’s Muslims.
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