9 reasons to love King Rama’s halal capital
Muslim travellers in Bangkok / Courtesy of Tharik Hussain
On Thursday, October 26, Thailand will finally cremate their beloved late King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the Royal Crematorium, Sanam Luang, Bangkok. In a highly ceremonial funeral that blends Hindu and Buddhist rites, the country will end its year-long mourning since the passing of the 88-year-old monarch on October 13, 2016.
What many people don’t know is how Muslim-friendly the Buddhist ruler was during his reign. In 1962, after receiving an English translation of the Quran from Saudi Arabia, the American-born King commissioned the country’s first modern Thai translation and launched it four years later on its 1,400th anniversary. His aim was to ensure that Thai Muslims could read their holy book in their own tongue.
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Tharik Hussain