Bridging tradition and modernity in Thai Islam: the political and religious roles of Surin Pitsuwan (Abdul Halim)

Yusuf, Imtiyaz and Pham, Thuy Quynh (2023) Bridging tradition and modernity in Thai Islam: the political and religious roles of Surin Pitsuwan (Abdul Halim). Al-Shajarah: Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM), 28 (1). pp. 119-142. ISSN 1394-6870 E-ISSN 2735-1866

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Abstract

Dr Surin Pitsuwan (Abdul Halim bin Ismail Pitsuwan) (28 October 1949 – 30 November 2017) was a prominent Thai Muslim politician of national and international stature with a colorful career as a journalist, an academic, a member of the Parliament and served first as Deputy Foreign Minister and ​next as the​ Foreign Minister of Thailand from 1992 to 2001, culminating in his career as the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) between 2008 and 2013. Born and bred in a traditional Malay family in Nakhon Si Thammarat, he acquired the pondok and modern education in Thai and American universities. He played an important role in bridging tradition and modernity in Thai Islam by promoting the Thai Muslim community's educational, intellectual, and political upliftment, thereby constructing its integrative face of Islam in Thailand - a Buddhist-majority country. Dr Pitsuwan was an ardent promoter of democratic practice, human resources development and upholding human rights through peaceful means. This article employs qualitative and subjective approaches by drawing data from the speeches, writings, and personal interactions with Dr Pitsuwan. It highlights that peaceful coexistence between the ​Thai ​Muslims and ​the Thai Buddhists​ ​is a reality ​and not an exception

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pitsuwan, Islam, Thailand, Democrat Party, ASEAN, pondok
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP160 General works on Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.55 Islam and nationalism B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.7 Islam and politics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BQ Buddhism
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
Depositing User:	Assoc. Pro Imtiyaz Yusuf
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2025 11:47
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2025 11:47
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124269

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