Muslim Tourists Comforted as Halal Food Exists in Thailand

Muslim Tourists Comforted as Halal Food Exists in Thailand

Jakarta, April 29, 2019/Indonesia Media – Thailand offers wonderful tropical weather, fascinating culture and history, picturesque countryside’s, stunning beaches and so much more. Although the country has not developed Halal food in maximum, but tourists from all over the globe do not have little choice. There are some convenience stores such as 7-11 (Seven Eleven) in which Muslim tourists still can find halal food. Like Indonesian female tourist, Vergina Andini Putri (30) and her two friends who embrace Islam felt relaxed when traveling to Thailand, especially southern part where Moslem community is a bit rare. “Thailand is not my first country I have traveled. When visiting Wageningen university (Holland) for my three weeks short course, I have had experience to adjust myself in such awkward situation. Pork was served when I stayed there (Wageningen) for every meal. I was not worried, and I am always relaxed,” Andini said.

It was no surprise, by the time she arrived at Phuket international airport, she found a counter sales wearing hijab. At that time, she needed to replace SIM card for international roaming. “I felt more and more sure that everything is safe for mealing,” she said.  Besides the situation was not different from Bali islands (Indonesia) in which Hindu communities reside in large. She found many foods in which the vendors wearing hijab too in some spots throughout the Island.

With tourism playing a major role in the country’s economy, it therefore caters to the needs and wants of all religious groups – while Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Thailand, Muslim tourists will be pleased to hear that Muslim-friendly airport facilities in Thailand are also available, including at some of the country’s major airports. “I could find (small) praying room. Because I arrived very late at night, and failed to catch midnight bus. We slept in the airport, and woke up around six,” said Andini.

Halal is a term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. It is the opposite of haraam. The term is used to designate food seen as permissible according to Islamic law. There are some products in the store that Muslim tourists can carry during the travel. Some items are attached with halal labels on the packagings. “I have seen ‘Muslim Care Thailand’ environment starting from the counter (in the airport) till another (tourist) destinations including Phuket, Bangkok. Some halal labels are attached to items in every store such as sandwich, milk. If it contains pork, (the label) shows the word ‘pork’. items which are halal, (customers) can find tuna fish, vegetable as ingredient,” said Andini. (sl/IM)