Bangkok Lab Pioneers Halal Science to Establish Thailand as Industry Leader

Over the last twenty years, Thailand has emerged as an unlikely pioneer in halal science, driven by the visionary efforts of Dr. Winai Dahlan. In a nation where Buddhists form the majority, Dahlan’s work at the forefront of halal research is not just about adhering to Islamic dietary laws—it’s about ensuring food safety and creating a bridge between diverse cultural practices.

The journey began in response to a crisis in the late 1990s when beef sausages intended for Muslim consumers were found contaminated with pork, sparking widespread demand for rigorous halal certification. This led to the birth of Thailand’s first halal science research center at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Under Dahlan’s leadership, what started as a modest laboratory within the Faculty of Allied Health Science has evolved into a world-renowned institution and the globe’s first dedicated halal science center.

This center has not only put Thailand on the map in terms of halal research but has also introduced the HAL-Q system—a pioneering integration of halal standards with food safety protocols, now adopted by over 770 factories and benefiting more than 200,000 employees across Thailand. Alongside HAL-Q, Dahlan’s team has developed SILK, a Shariah-compliant logistics and traceability system enhancing the integrity of the halal supply chain, and the soon-to-launch Halal Route app, aimed at making Thailand more accessible to Muslim travelers by providing a comprehensive directory of mosques and halal eateries.

These innovations underscore Thailand’s ambition to become a regional, if not global, halal hub. The country’s strategic location and rich agricultural resources position it uniquely to cater to the booming global halal market, which is valued at over $7 trillion. With halal food exports already reaching approximately 217 billion baht ($6 billion) in the first 11 months of 2023, Thailand is keen on expanding its footprint in Muslim-majority countries, especially in the Middle East.

The restoration of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia in 2022 has further buoyed these ambitions. The renewed ties have led to a surge in Saudi tourists and opened new avenues for halal trade and cooperation, with discussions underway to establish a halal science laboratory in Saudi Arabia. This development is particularly significant, considering the 32-year hiatus in formal relations between the two nations.

Dr. Dahlan remains optimistic about Thailand’s potential in the halal sector, emphasizing the importance of educating the private sector on halal certification and standards to boost exports. As Thailand continues to navigate and innovate within the halal industry, it not only contributes to the global economy but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for Islamic traditions.

In rewriting this article, I aimed to capture the essence of Thailand’s journey in becoming a leader in halal science, emphasizing the significant economic opportunities this presents and the cultural bridges being built. This narrative not only aligns with the searcher’s intent for comprehensive insights into halal science development but also highlights Thailand’s strategic initiatives and collaborations that contribute to its growing influence in the global halal market.