Thailand’s leading Muslim cleric announces the start of Ramadan

Thailand’s leading Muslim cleric announced the start of Ramadan yesterday. The cleric, Sheikul Islam Aziz Phitakkumpon, said…

“As announced to Thai Muslims across the country to sight the new crescent moon after sunset on Wednesday, March 22, to mark the first day of Ramadan AH 1444. It has been confirmed that the new crescent moon has been sighted. So I declared Thursday, March 23, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan AH 1444.”

Muslims make up roughly 5% of Thailand’s population. The country’s Muslim population is largely concentrated in the southern region.

An estimated 20% of Phuket’s native population are Muslims, according to The Phuket News. Many government offices in the island province are making small donations of food and water to be served at…