A Bangkok hotel has become the first in Thailand to receive Muslim-friendly certification aimed at improving the tourism experiences of Muslim travellers.
Ninareeman Binnima, a Thai veterinarian, said to Bangkok Post that many foreign Muslim business visitors struggle to find Halal dining options at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang international airports. She noted this issue affects Thailand’s reputation among Muslim tourists.
To address the gap, Ninareeman is working with the Thai Muslim Trade Association (TMTA) to introduce a Muslim-friendly hotel ranking system.
Unlike a fully Halal hotel, a Muslim-friendly property can still serve alcohol and pork as long as these items are separated from Halal offerings.
The pilot project began at the Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok, which in June became the first property in Thailand to receive Level 2 certification under the Global Muslim Friendly Hospitality Index. The hotel established a separate Halal kitchen and trained staff to meet the required standards.
Thailand aims to position itself as an ASEAN Halal hub by 2027. Officials estimate the strategy could increase GDP in the industrial sector by 1.2%, or 55 billion baht, and generate 100,000 jobs each year.
However, challenges remain. Fuad Gunsun, Vice President of TMTA, said destinations such as Taiwan and Hong Kong are currently more advanced in serving Muslim travellers. Thailand ranks lower in CrescentRating, an independent service assessing Halal-friendly destinations.
In its 2025 report, CrescentRating listed Thailand as an emerging Muslim-friendly non-OIC destination. The ranking recognised efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch Muslim visitor guides for Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, highlighting Halal dining options, prayer facilities, and inclusive accommodation.
Leading non-OIC destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. Taiwan received praise for providing prayer rooms at major transport hubs and tourist sites.
In 2024, international Muslim arrivals in Thailand reached about 176 million, a 10% increase over pre-pandemic figures. CrescentRating Chief Executive Officer Fazal Bahardeen projected the number will climb to 245 million by 2030, with spending estimated at US$4.235 billion.
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