The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) pledged to play a role in rebuilding peace in the deep South and improving the quality of life for residents of the restive region during a visit last week.
The OIC delegation, led by Yousef Mohammed S Aldobeay, its assistant secretary-general, visited the southern border provinces last Wednesday and Thursday as guests of the government.
They met locals, academics and religious leaders and enjoyed a tour of Wat Mujalinthavapi Viharn and the Jabangtikor Mosque in Pattani, said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.
The OIC delegation concluded that Thailand has not curtailed the rights and freedom of its Muslim population. On the contrary, it has done well to take care of Muslim residents and set an example for a peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society.
She said the OIC was satisfied with the occupational promotion policy which had boosted the community's standard of living.
The OIC stands ready to forge peace in the far South, added Ms Rachada, who also told the media that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased to learn of the satisfaction of the OIC delegation -- the first visit of its kind by senior OIC figures to the South in a decade.
Input from the visit will be conveyed to the secretary-general of the OIC which has 57 member countries.
Dam Boontham, director-general of a middle-east affairs department, said he was pleased the government has a clear policy to expand its diplomatic relations with the OIC member countries.
Meanwhile, Rear Adm Somkiat Pholprayoon, secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, said the visit provided an ideal opportunity for the delegation to receive first-hand information about the situation in the deep South.
