The Office of the Chularatchamontri has urged Thai Muslims across the country to sight the moon after sunset on today (Mar 10) to mark the first day of Ramadan. The Chularatchamontri, also know as Sheikul Islam, is the leading Muslim cleric for the nation and the spiritual leader of Thai Muslims.
According to the Koran, Ramadan begins upon the sighting of a new moon. If it is not seen on the evening expected, Ramadan is automatically delayed by one day. The tradition is strictly followed in Thailand.
This year Ramadan is expected to begin on Mar 10 and end on Apr 9. The official announcement of the moon sighting will be made between 7.30pm an 8pm today via Radio Thailand, TV Channel 11, Live NBT2HD and Chulalongkorn University pages on Facebook.
There are 54 mosques across Phuket, not including other venues for prayer, to serve resident and visiting Muslims across the island. An estimated 20% of Phuket’s native population are Muslims.
In support of Muslims observing the traditional fasting, many government offices across Phuket have made donations of food and water to be served at Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
In Bang Tao, Rawai and other areas Ramadan Market are usually set up at local mosques for people and tourists to enjoy halal food.