Thailand has honored a new generation of storytellers in a video competition designed to showcase the Kingdom as an inclusive, Muslim-friendly destination amid stepped-up efforts to leverage cultural diplomacy and targeted tourism campaigns.
The initiative was launched by the Department of Information at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) as part of a broader effort to promote Thailand’s multicultural society through creative media.
At an award ceremony held on April 30th at the Press Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, acting Director-General of the Department of Information Panidone Pachimsawat presented prizes to the young winners whose clips reimagined Thailand through the lens of multiculturalism, halal tourism, and emerging business opportunity.
The contest invited Thai youth aged 15 to 22 to submit two-minute videos under the theme: “Thailand as a Muslim-Friendly Destination.” Organizers said entries were judged on creativity, their portrayal of Thailand’s multicultural society, and their ability to highlight the country’s halal tourism potential and expanding halal industry.
Southern voices take top honors
- The first prize, along with THB30,000 baht in prize money, went to a three-member team from Prince of Songkhla University’s Hat Yai Campus: Fahmee Sani, Puteri Man-aree, and Asma Hayeedaoh.
- First runner-up honors, with a THB20,000, went to a five-person team from Yala Rajabhat University: Kittiya Narasantikun, Sirinya Yuleh, Ikrom Chedueramae, Amnan Samoh, and Alyas Wohma.
- The second runner-up, receiving THB10,000, was Nifaldi Hayeesamsuding of Chiang Mai University.
In a further boost for the winning campaign, officials said the first-prize concept will later be developed into a new promotional video with support from the ministry and a well-known influencer, aimed at reaching wider global audiences.
Strategy beyond competition
The contest comes amid broader efforts to position Thailand more competitively in Muslim markets, including the travel market, which is among the fastest-growing sectors in global tourism.
Earlier this month, authorities under the Department of Tourism launched a training program in Chiang Mai titled “Thailand Muslim-Friendly Tourism: Shaping a New Global Chapter.”
The initiative gathered dozens of tourism operators to learn how to better serve Muslim travelers through halal-conscious services, culturally aware hospitality standards, and digitally driven marketing strategies.
Together with projects such as the MFA-backed youth video competition, the program reflects a broader push to strengthen Thailand’s position in Muslim travel markets while expanding opportunities tied to halal tourism and the nation’s growing halal industry as part of a wider economic diplomacy strategy.
A message of peaceful coexistence
Beyond visitor numbers, the MFA said the campaign is about highlighting Thailand’s identity as a society where diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs coexist peacefully. It also described the project as a way to encourage young Thais to communicate the Kingdom’s positive image to international audiences.
That message carries particular resonance as nations across Asia compete for Muslim travelers seeking destinations that combine leisure, accessibility, and religious accommodation.
Indeed, while the winning videos may be short, the diplomatic signal that inclusivity can be good values, and good business, will likely resonate for years to come.
Source: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Teerin Julsawad