Thailand’s seniormost Muslim cleric, Aziz Phithakkumpol, passed away today (Sunday) at the age of 76, according to the Chularajmontri’s Office.
Aziz, the country’s 18th Chularajmontri (Sheikhul Islam of Thailand), died at 10.32am, while undergoing treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital. The Chularajmontri’s office stated that a prayer ceremony will be held for Aziz at the Central Mosque of Songkhla province at 10am.
Aziz was a native of Songkhla and received a royal appointment as Chularajmontri in 2010.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a message of condolence, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.
Meanwhile, Songkhla police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Loh Phithakkumpol, 71, a brother of Aziz, who was stabbed to death by a 47-year-old suspect with a record of addiction.
Witnesses told police that Loh was at a local restaurant, in Songkhla’s Singhanakhon district, when the suspect approached him without warning and stabbed him several times before fleeing. Loh was rushed to Songkhla Hospital,but he succumbed to HIS injuries.
Police subsequently apprehended the suspect and a urine drug test detected signs of drug use.
Police were informed that the suspect and the victim did not know each other and were not involved in any known conflict.
