Central Islamic Council of Thailand

The Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) is Thailand's national Islamic authority responsible for halal certification, operating under the Office of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand. Established formally in its certification role in 2007, CICOT issues the Thailand Halal Certificate — the official halal credential recognised for products manufactured in Thailand and exported to Muslim-majority markets worldwide. Thailand is a major halal food exporter despite having a Muslim population of only around 5-6 million (approximately 8% of the national population). The Thai government has actively promoted the country's "Halal Kitchen of the World" strategy since 2003, positioning Thailand as a global hub for halal food manufacturing. As a result, CICOT certification carries significant commercial weight: Thailand's halal food exports exceed USD 5 billion annually, with key markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East, and the broader OIC member states. CICOT operates in conjunction with the Halal Standards Institute of Thailand (HSITH), which develops and maintains Thai halal standards aligned with OIC/SMIIC and JAKIM frameworks. CICOT's halal certificates are recognised by JAKIM (Malaysia), MUIS (Singapore), and are accepted across Gulf Cooperation Council import frameworks. In 2023, CICOT achieved recognition from Turkey's Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK), further expanding the geographic acceptance of Thai halal certificates. CICOT's certification scope covers food products, food ingredients, slaughter operations, food-service establishments, cosmetics, and halal-friendly tourism services. The organisation operates a network of provincial Islamic councils that conduct local inspections and certification under CICOT's central oversight framework. For food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and hospitality operators in Thailand seeking to access Muslim consumer markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, CICOT certification is the indispensable starting point for halal market entry.