During the Ramadan 1445 H on 12 – 31 March 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the Thai Students Association in Malaysia (TSAM) and the Thai Students Groups from Northern, Eastern and Central regions of Malaysia, organised Iftar activities at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur and Albukhary International University (AIU) in Kedah. More than 150 Thai students from across Malaysia participated in various activities throughout this Holy month.
The Royal Thai Embassy supported Thai students in showcasing and selling Thai foods and products at the Ramadan Bazaars of IIUM and AIU, including dishes such as Pad Ka Prao (Thai holy basil stir-fry), Tom Yum, Khao Niew Ma Muang (Thai sweet sticky rice with mango), Tub Tim Krob (red rubies dessert), Bua Loi (rice balls in coconut milk), Ta Ko (Thai pudding with coconut topping) and Thai tea. The activity was an opportunity for the students to gain entrepreneurial experiences and skills, as well as playing a role in widely promoting Thai culture and traditions among other international students. Given the uniqueness of the stall at the Bazaars as well as the tase of the delectable Thai food and its presentation, the students’ food stalls received much attention from marketgoers.
After running the stalls for 15 days, the Royal Thai Embassy, together with Thai students, gave the proceeds generated from the food sales back to the society by organising the Iftar Dinner at the Rumah Penyayang Darul Ilmi Orphanage in Kuala Lumpur and the Perbutuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim (DAYA) Orphanage in Kedah. This meaningful activity, including recreational activities, knowledge sharing, donation of essential goods, religious practices, and communal meal with over 100 orphaned children, has fostered students’ public mind and sense of responsibility to society. The events were held in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.