Sheikhul Islam Office holds remembrance ceremony for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej

BANGKOK, Oct 23 (TNA) -- The Sheikhul Islam Office of Thailand held a remembrance ceremony for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Friday (October 21), eulogising the late monarch for his unconditional support to all religions in Thailand. Sheikhul Islam of Thailand (Chularatchamontri) Aziz Pitakkumpon led the ceremony. He was joined by scores of representatives from businesses and Muslim public in Thailand. HM King Bhumibol was a true patronage of Islam in Thailand, said Mr Prasan Sricharoen, deputy chair of the Technical Adviser Committee of the Sheikhul Islam Office, adding that HM had contributed unconditionally towards improving the well-being of all Thais regardless of their races. HM once asked for a Thai translation of the Quran so he could understand the teaching of Islam, said Mr Prasan. After studying the translated script prepared by then Chularatchamontri, HM told Thai people that Islam’s teaching did not promote any values that would endanger Thai society as many doubted, said Mr Prasan. During his speech, Mr Aziz praised HM King Bhumibol as a true patronage of Islam and other religions in Thailand who also lived up to his first public statement upon ascending to the throne, which said “We shall rule this country righteously, for the benefits of all people in Siam”. The ceremony also included exhibitions of the King’s development works during his 70-year reign and a condolences book signing for the King. (TNA)