PM perfects ‘Salaam’ greeting on helicopter to Muslim south

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Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepared for a visit to Thailand’s southern Muslim-majority provinces by practising the universal Islamic greeting, “as-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you), aboard an air force helicopter.

 

Assisted by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the PM repeated the greeting several times to perfect her pronunciation.

 

“I practised this earlier too, but I want to get it just right.”

 

The greeting, widely used among Muslim communities, holds cultural significance in the southern border provinces.

 

 

The 38 year old PM was joined by an entourage of top officials, including Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy PM and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Phanphet.

 

Their one-day mission aimed to engage with local communities and address pressing development issues in Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani.

 

Initially, the itinerary included stops in all three provinces. However, due to heavy rainfall, the helicopter was unable to land in Pattani. Justice Minister Tawee informed the Thai premier of the change, saying, “The weather makes it unsafe to proceed.”

 

In Pattani, PM Paetongtarn had planned to visit the marine police pier in Mueang district’s Ru Samilae area, meet with fishing boat operators, and oversee projects like dredging waterways and providing soft loans to small businesses. Despite the weather setback, she focused on engaging with residents in Narathiwat and Yala, reported The Nation.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2025-01-16