Bangkok, Thailand, 12 October 2026 – The Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Bangkok. The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between the IsDB Group and Thailand, particularly in education, human capital development, and the socio-economic empowerment of Muslim communities across the country.

Dr Al Jasser reaffirmed the IsDB Group’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Thailand and thanked the government for its continued support for initiatives that expand educational and economic opportunities for Muslim communities, especially in the southern provinces.

The discussions highlighted the achievements of the IsDB’s Communities Outreach Program in Thailand. Since 1985, the Bank has approved 30 projects supporting community-led initiatives in education, social development, and community resilience.

The two parties also reviewed the impact of the IsDB Scholarship Program, which has supported 635 Thai students since its launch in 1986. To date, 549 scholars have graduated and are contributing to their communities and the country's development.

The meeting further explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in Islamic finance. Both sides welcomed the growing collaboration between the Islamic Bank of Thailand (iBank) and the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), aimed at strengthening Islamic finance capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise development, enhancing financial literacy, and advancing financial inclusion.

Dr. Al Jasser affirmed the IsDB Group’s readiness to mobilize its expertise, knowledge platforms, and global networks to support Thailand’s efforts to further develop its Islamic finance ecosystem and strengthen engagement with IsDB member countries.