On 12 June 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, was invited to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, co-organized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Muslim World League (MWL) under the theme “Religious Leaders and Youth: Advancing Coexistence and Social Harmony”. The ceremony featured the opening remarks by Dato’ Seri Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Kateem al-Issa, Secretary-General of MWL, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, Sultan of Perak. Also in attendance were Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), members of the Malaysian Cabinet, religious leaders from 31 countries, including Mr. Aroon Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions in Malaysia, as well as guests from the public and private sectors and the media, totaling over 1,500 participants.

 

The Prime Minister of Malaysia underscored the important role of religious leaders in promoting peace, tolerance, and moral values amid the conflicts and uncertainties facing the world today. He highlighted Malaysia as an example of a multi-religious and multicultural society that has achieved peaceful coexistence through mutual respect and interfaith dialogue, and called upon religious leaders to work together in fostering understanding and harmony among humanity. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Perak emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing peace and coexistence in multicultural societies, particularly in the digital age. His Royal Highness stressed the need for religious leaders to engage more effectively with younger generations, foster a sense of belonging, promote interfaith and intercultural understanding, and provide meaningful opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador was pleased to meet Mr. Aroon Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s readiness to facilitate and support activities aimed at further strengthening Thailand–Malaysia relations in all dimensions, including religious and cultural cooperation. The Ambassador also met with Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia; Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry bin Abd. Kadir, Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia; Tan Sri Amran Mohamed Zin, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia; and Datuk Seri Ayob Khan bin Mydin Pitchay, Deputy Inspector-General of Police of Malaysia.