Thailand is moving forward to become an ASEAN halal hub by 2027, in response to the Government’s vision “Ignite Thailand,” aimed at transforming Thailand into an agriculture and food hub, among eight important hubs.

The transformation of Thailand into an ASEAN halal hub is contained in the four-year action plan on Thai halal industrial development, 2024 to 2027. The action plan was endorsed by the National Halal Industry Committee, during its meeting on 11 July 2024 chaired by the Prime Minister. 

In this action plan, Thailand strives to increase its GDP in the industrial sector by 1.2 percent, or 55 billion baht, and generate 100,000 jobs each year. In the next step, the Minister of Industry will submit the action plan to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council for further approval.

In the initial stage, the action plan aims to develop five groups of halal products and services, namely 1) halal food, such as meat, processed food, seafood, and ready-to-eat food, 2) halal fashion, such as textiles, jewelry, and leather goods, 3) halal medicine, herbs, and cosmetics, 4) cocoa and related products, and 5) halal services and tourism.

A budget of 1.23 billion baht has been set for the implementation of the action plan during the four-year period. Three measures will also be carried out. They include the promotion of international trade to strengthen the supply chain of the Thai halal industry, the development of Thai halal standards, and the upgrading of environmental factors in the Thai halal industry.

The meeting of the National Halal Industry Committee also agreed to push for the establishment of “Thailand Halal Valley” as a center for the country’s halal industry. This center will create mechanisms to boost the ecosystem of Thailand’s halal industry and upgrade production technology and innovation, as well as enhancing cooperation with local and international organizations.

According to Adroit Market Research, the global halal market was valued at USD 7.2 trillion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 11.2 trillion by 2028. The size of Muslim population is on the rise, and Thailand has great opportunities to increase its share in the global halal market.