Bangkok: The Department of Livestock Development has extended an invitation to participate in the World Halal Expo 2026 (World HAPEX 2026) and an associated seminar titled "The Halal Model of 200 Locations: Transforming Livestock in Southern Thailand."
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Somchuan Ratnamangklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, has tasked the Bureau of Livestock Product System Development and Certification with organizing their participation in the event. World HAPEX 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, located at Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. This initiative aligns with the government's strategy to position Thailand as a leading hub for the production and export of high-quality halal food, enhancing the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs in the global halal market.
During the expo, the Department of Livestock Development will host an exhibition themed "Safe Halal Livestock, Sustainable Health." The exhibition aims to showcase the department's efforts in developing halal livestock production systems, improving production standards, supporting entrepreneurs, and preparing for export to Islamic trading partners. Attendees will have access to consulting services regarding the criteria, conditions, and requirements for halal certification and livestock product export. Additionally, academic knowledge will be disseminated to entrepreneurs, academics, students, and interested members of the public.
A key feature of the department's involvement is a seminar titled "200 Halal Model Establishments: Transforming Southern Thailand's Livestock Industry," set for Friday, July 31, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Convention Hall. Representatives from the Halal Affairs Committee of the Songkhla Provincial Islamic Council will discuss their experiences and strategies in developing model halal establishments. The seminar aims to raise production standards, boost competitiveness, and open new market opportunities for entrepreneurs in Southern Thailand and across the nation.
Thailand is poised to produce a variety of halal livestock products, including beef, goat meat, eggs, milk, honey, bird's nest, ice cream, yogurt, butter, and cheese. These can be refined to align with halal standards to meet the growing global market demand. By 2025, the country expects to produce around 3.82 million tons of poultry meat and products annually, with exports exceeding 1.34 million tons of chilled, frozen, and cooked poultry products, generating over 168 billion baht. This underscores Thailand's production capabilities and the high safety standards of its livestock products, which have gained international recognition. Thai halal livestock products are eligible for export to numerous Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, and Brunei, which represent expanding markets for halal food products.
The Department of Livestock Development also encourages attendees to engage in a survey on the Development and Promotion of the Halal Livestock Industry Project for the fiscal year 2026. The survey can be accessed via a QR code available at the department's booth, offering an opportunity for participants to provide feedback and suggestions to enhance operations, improve production standards, and better support the Thai halal livestock industry according to the needs of entrepreneurs and the public.