In a groundbreaking move to reinforce Thailand’s reputation as a global leader in interfaith harmony, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian spiritual leaders came together on February 1, 2025, to launch the “Peace Tourism” initiative.

Held during UN Interfaith Harmony Week, the event symbolized Thailand’s commitment to fostering cultural inclusivity and enhancing its soft power status.

Three significant religious sites—Wat Muang Kae, Haroon Mosque, and Assumption Cathedral—located within 300 meters of each other near Bangkok’s historic Oriental Hotel, now display official signboards marking them as a “Model Multicultural Community.”

These landmarks have long been key cultural attractions for international visitors and will now serve as symbols of peace-building and religious harmony.

Government and Multicultural Endorsement

The initiative aligns with Thailand’s national Soft Power Development Plan and supports the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint, reinforcing the country’s role as an Alliance of Civilisations Destination. It also promotes UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advocating for social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

Although the event remained a grassroots effort, key figures from the religious and local governance sectors participated, including:

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdulleh Noomsuk – Vice President of the Chularatchamontri and Chairman of the Promotion of Multicultural Society
  • Phra Khru Anusit Watcharatham – Abbot of Bang Rak District and Wat Muang Kae
  • Mr. Thanarat Watcharaphisut – Imam of Haroon Mosque
  • Father Akkharanon Kitcharoen – Assistant Abbot of Assumption Cathedral
  • Mrs. Phonphan Wattanasin – Director of Bang Rak District, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Their collective efforts reinforce Thailand’s policy on cultural diplomacy, as outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Office of National Buddhism, both of which emphasize peace-building through intercultural engagement.

Peace Tourism: A New Model for Sustainable Travel

The concept of Peace Tourism presents an opportunity for Thailand’s public and private sectors to reshape their tourism strategies beyond profit-driven models. Industry stakeholders, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), are now encouraged to integrate multicultural experiences into mainstream travel itineraries.

The area’s significance extends beyond religious tourism. Nearby luxury hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, Peninsula, and Millennium Hilton serve as prime destinations for high-spending international visitors. Additionally, the upmarket shopping complex ICONSIAM, just across the river, further enhances the district’s appeal.

Expanding Peace Tourism Beyond Bangkok

This initiative mirrors the Kudijeen community on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, another “Confluence of Civilisations” cluster featuring Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian places of worship. By connecting these sites, Thailand solidifies its position as the world’s first Alliance of Civilisations Destination, setting a precedent for sustainable and harmonious tourism development.

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