PATTANI (SOUTHERN THAI): Yesterday (August 21, 2024), Thailand began selecting candidates for the Quran recitation (Tilawah Al-Quran) competition to represent the country at the International Quran Recitation Competition to be held in Malaysia next year.

The selection is being made through the National Quran Recitation Competition of Thailand, which is being held at the Grand Mosque of Pattani, Southern Thailand, starting yesterday and continuing until tomorrow (August 23).

Pattani Mayor Niannuwa Sulaiman stated that a total of 28 participants from across Thailand are taking part in this competition, and out of that number, six participants (three male reciters and three female reciters) will be chosen for the final round.

He added that the male and female champions will represent Thailand at the international competition in Malaysia.

He mentioned that the King of Thailand will present the prizes to the winners of this competition, which is expected to take place at the Grand Mosque of Pattani soon.

“What is interesting about this year’s competition in Pattani is that we also have a lucky draw for the visitors, with three grand prizes being opportunities to perform Umrah.

“Each night of the Quran recitation event will feature a lucky draw, with an Umrah trip as the prize.

“In addition, several other lucky draw prizes are also available, including motorcycles and bicycles,” he told reporters at the Grand Mosque of Pattani last night.

Meanwhile, Niannuwa said that besides the Quran recitation event, the organizers have also arranged various exhibitions and sales stalls.

He mentioned that there is also an exhibition of old Qurans, which have been borrowed from the Old Quran Museum in Narathiwat.