Sheikhul Islam of Thailand dies at 76
BANGKOK - The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Aziz Phitakkumpon died at the age of 76 at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on Sunday.
In a statement, the Sheikhul Islam Office said Aziz had been receiving medical treatment under Royal Patronage at the hospital since Friday.
"The 18th Sheikhul Islam of Thailand has returned to the mercy of Allah at 10.32 am (local time) on Sunday.
"The funeral prayer will be held at Songkhla Central Mosque in Hatyai, Songkhla, at 10 am (local time) on Monday," the statement read.
Aziz's remains were flown back to his home province, Singhanakhon district, Songkhla, earlier today. He will be laid to rest at the Muslim Cemetery in Hua Khao, Singhanakhon district.
Aziz was appointed as the Sheikhul of Islam in 2010.
Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his condolences on Aziz's passing.
Born on March 6, 1947, he was the eldest of four siblings. He is survived by his wife and four children - three sons and one daughter.
Local media reported that Aziz's younger brother was stabbed to death at a food stall on Saturday. The police arrested a 47-year-old suspect, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs. - BERNAMA
