The Chulalongkorn University Rector presided over the opening ceremony of “Grand Halal Bangkok 2026,” aiming to make Thailand a global halal economic hub.

On July 15, 2026, at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangna – Mr. Arun Boonchom, the Chularajmontri (Chief Islamic Religious Leader), presided over the opening ceremony of the International Halal Academic Seminar “Grand Halal Bangkok 2026,” an international halal trade fair and business exhibition held under the concept of "Gateway to the Global Halal Economy," in collaboration between the Islamic Council of Thailand and Worlddex GEC Co., Ltd., with representatives from leading organizations from both Thailand and abroad in attendance.

At the opening ceremony, Police Major General Surin Palare, Secretary-General of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, reported on the objectives and importance of the event. He was honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Ihsan ÖVÜT, Secretary-General of the Islamic Standards and Metrology Institute (SMIIC), and Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rashoudi, Chief Executive Officer. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Saudi Halal Center (SFDA), halal certification organizations from various countries, diplomatic corps, businesspeople from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, provincial Islamic committees, and other distinguished guests.

The “Grand Halal Bangkok 2026” event aims to promote Thailand as a global halal economic hub, expanding opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to enter the international arena by focusing on business-to-business (B2B) matching with international partners and investors. This is to upgrade and drive the entire halal industry, encompassing food, fashion, health, tourism, and financial services.

The event brought together over 500 exhibitors from 60 countries worldwide, covering innovations in food, fashion, health and beauty products, halal tourism services, and other services such as Islamic finance and technology that support the halal ecosystem. It also featured a B2B platform, a key area for business matching between producers, buyers, investors, and international delegations in one place. The event will be held from July 15-17, 2026 at BITEC Bangna Exhibition and Convention Center, Hall 98.