EVENT

@ Halal | July-August. 2026

• Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 brought together businesses covering food, tourism, cosmetics, fashion, agriculture, logistics, finance and technology.

• Speakers at the event highlighted the need for stronger cooperation, common standards and greater confidence across international markets.

• Thailand is looking to build on its long production history and agricultural strengths to expand its international market presence.

That was a key point raised by H. E. Mr Aroon Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, during the opening of Grand Halal Bangkok 2026.

Held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre( BITEC), under the theme“ Gateway to Global Halal Economy”, Aroon pointed to Thailand’ s 77-year history in halal production, saying the country has built experience and recognition within the global Muslim community.

“ Introducing halal food to the world is not only about the food itself. We must ensure that it is produced in a hygienic and safe manner, while also using this opportunity to introduce Thailand, our Muslim community and our way of life to the world.”

He also highlighted Thailand’ s agricultural strength, including its role as a major rice-producing country, as an advantage that can support the expansion of its halal food industry.

GLOBAL AMBITION

Thailand’ s own Islamic institutions were represented by Pol. Maj. Gen. Surin Palare, Secretary-General of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand( CICOT), said Thailand had risen from 13th place to fourth

READY FOR THE WORLD: Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Aroon Boonchom delivers his opening address at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026. among the world’ s halal food and product exporters over the past six years, with the sector now valued at about 300 billion baht.

“ From the past to the present, from 13th to fourth, and in the next five years we must become number one,” he reiterated.

FROM THAILAND, TO THE WORLD

Hon. Eng. Mohammad Farhan Aldhifriy, Executive Vice President of Regulation Affairs and Research at the Saudi Halal Center( SHC), was among the speakers addressing the gathering, highlighting the importance of regulatory and research capabilities in supporting the halal sector.

Meanwhile, H. E. Mr Ihsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries( SMIIC), brought attention to the role of standards

STYLE & CULTURE: A showcase of traditional dance adds a cultural dimension to the exhibition.

in facilitating greater consistency and confidence across halal markets.

The involvement of SMIIC and the Saudi Halal Center also reflected the wider international dimension of the event, as businesses increasingly look beyond their domestic markets.

With Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 bringing together businesses and organisations from different parts of the halal supply chain, the discussions pointed towards a sector that is no longer confined to food alone. Tourism, cosmetics, fashion, agriculture, logistics, finance, technology and other industries are increasingly part of the wider halal marketplace.-

OPENING UP THE MARKET: Thai businesses showcase their products and capabilities at the Thailand Pavilion.

BUILDING GLOBAL LINKS: The grand opening of Grand Halal Bangkok 2026.