Thai King and Queen Attend National Quran Recitation Competition in Pattani
- Royal couple presided at Pattani Central Mosque
- Winners and religious leaders received awards
- 787 people got free medical care
The 19th National Quran Recitation Competition took place at Pattani Central Mosque in southern Thailand on 10 October 2026. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida travelled to Pattani province to preside over the event.
The King and Queen landed at Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla province at 4:50 p.m. They flew by royal helicopter to Pattani, then went by car to the mosque.
They reached Pattani Central Mosque at 5:54 p.m. Pattani Deputy Governor Chaiyaporn Niyomkaew welcomed them, along with Thailand’s Sheikhul Islam Arun Boonchom, government officials and members of the public.
Fauzi Hama, who won the national competition in 2025, recited the Holy Quran in front of the King and Queen. Wirot Wutpradit read out a Thai translation of its meaning.
The royal couple handed trophies to the winner, the runners-up and those given honourable mentions. Judges and event supporters received commemorative plaques.
Du’a and Meeting With Religious Leaders
Sheikhul Islam Arun Boonchom made a du’a (supplication) for blessings on the King, the Queen and the royal family. The couple then met Islamic religious leaders.
Awards for Imams and Islamic Schools
The King and Queen gave plaques and cash awards to provincial Islamic committee members and imams recognised for their work in 2025.
At the Pattani Provincial Administrative Organisation, they also gave awards to chosen representatives, school administrators, teachers and students from private Islamic religious schools across southern Thailand. The awards were for their achievements in 2025.
Free Healthcare and Halal Meals
A royal medical team treated 787 people during the visit, including members of the public who came to the royal events. The royal household also gave fresh halal boxed meals to people attending the event.
