The Muslim community in Thailand is preparing for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, starting on March 12^th this year, according to an announcement from Aroon Boonchom, the Sheikhul Islam (Muslim’s spiritual leader) of Thailand. 

The confirmation of the date is significant for the nation’s Muslim population, as they prepare for a month dedicated to fasting, spiritual growth and charitable deeds.

The start of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, can vary from country to country due to the moon’s sighting and astronomical calculations, used to determine the beginning of the month.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is seen with the naked eye. Some countries and communities, however, now use astronomical calculations to predict the moon’s visibility and, therefore, the start of Ramadan.

Even though the moon was not visible from Thailand last night, many Gulf Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Egypt, start fasting on Monday, after they spotted the moon from their country.

By Kitipat Chuensukjit