The start of Ramadan, Hijri Year 1447, was confirmed following an announcement by the Sheikhul Islam Office under the Office of the Chulalongkorn Royal Chaplain.
The office confirmed that the crescent moon had been sighted after sunset on Wednesday (Feb 18), marking Thursday, Feb 19, as the first day of Ramadan for Thai Muslims nationwide.
Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn conveyed his wishes for the holy month, describing Ramadan as a time of peace, tranquillity and happiness.
“Ramadan Mubarak. On the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan, Phuket Province wishes that this month of fasting be a time of peace, tranquillity and happiness,” the Governor said in his message.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also delivered a nationally broadcast message at 8pm on Wednesday, extending his congratulations and best wishes to Muslims across Thailand.
Addressing “beloved Thai Muslim brothers and sisters”, Anutin said Ramadan is a month that tests faith and patience, while also fostering compassion, generosity and spiritual purification.
“These beautiful values are an important foundation for building a society that is supportive, caring, and lives together peacefully,” he said.
He added that the holy month presents an auspicious opportunity for Muslims to reflect upon the Holy Quran and apply its teachings in daily life.
“On this auspicious occasion, I pray for the blessings of our Lord, that He may grant mercy, contentment, and robust health to all Thai Muslims, enabling them to fully and successfully perform their religious duties,” he said.
At the local level, Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief Manoch Panchalad issued a message to the Muslim community in Cherng Talay, wishing residents a month filled with mercy and forgiveness.
“Ramadan is a month of mercy and forgiveness, a time for purifying the heart, strengthening patience, and increasing faith,” he said.
He encouraged residents to use the opportunity to fast, pray, read the Quran and carry out good deeds, while sharing with and supporting those in need.
“May Allah accept our good deeds, grant us good health, patience and consistency in worship throughout this blessed month, and may this Ramadan be a month of positive transformation for all of us,” he said.
Bang Tao Ramadan Market launched
To mark the start of the holy month, Cherng Talay OrBorTor has launched the Bang Tao Halal Iftar Market at Mukarrom Mosque in Bang Tao Village.
The market, located near Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, will operate daily from 3pm onwards from Feb 19 to Mar 19.
Organisers said the Ramadan Market aims to provide a wide variety of halal food and drinks for families preparing to break their fast at sunset.
Food on offer includes chicken and beef biryani, roti and mataba, oxtail soup, fried chicken, rice salad, dates and fresh fruits, as well as traditional Muslim desserts such as khanom kho and sticky rice sweets. Fruit juices and herbal drinks are also available.
The Bang Tao Ramadan Market serves not only as a place to purchase food for iftar, but also as a gathering point for families and friends, reflecting the Islamic lifestyle and cultural traditions of the area, which is home to a large Muslim population.
The market typically becomes busiest in the late afternoon ahead of the Maghrib prayer, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to experience authentic halal cuisine and the atmosphere of Ramadan in Phuket.
Ramadan is expected to continue for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent moon, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.