Rating: 4.7/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 05:00 – 20:00

 

Salihul Islam Mosque (Bueng Toei) is a mosque located in the eastern part of Bangkok, within the Nong Chok district, specifically in the Bueng Toei community along Pracha Samran Road and Pracha Samran 3 Alley. This area retains a strong sense of local community life and has not been shaped as a tourist-oriented attraction designed merely for visual appeal. Instead, it is a living religious space, actively used on a daily basis and deeply connected to the lives of the surrounding residents. Visitors often notice the calm and simplicity of the mosque on ordinary days, contrasted with a more vibrant atmosphere during important religious activities. The warmth and familiarity among people in the neighborhood give the mosque a distinctive character, making it an ideal place for those who wish to understand “another side of Bangkok,” beyond the city’s inner commercial zones, where community centers still play a vital role in everyday life.

 

The history of Salihul Islam Mosque is closely tied to the growth of the Bueng Toei community. Its beginnings did not involve the construction of a large mosque building. Instead, it originated from the shared intention of local leaders and residents who wanted a space for religious education and early childhood care. In 1980, a religious school and an early childhood development center were established through the efforts of Mr. Seri Masanglong, who served as the village headman at the time, together with other community leaders. As the population in the area increased, congregational Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) began to take place, leading to a collective decision to formally establish the site as a mosque. During its founding period, Imam Montri Baiyusob served as the imam, Mr. Somsak Masanglong acted as the khatib, and Mr. Sawat Phongngam served as the bilal, along with the first mosque management committee. The mosque has consistently followed the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the guiding principle for its religious practices and community responsibilities.

 

As the community became more established, the first mosque building was constructed in 1987. In 1991, the mosque was officially registered. Over time, however, the original building deteriorated due to age and use. Recognizing that a mosque serving as a community center must be safe, functional, and able to accommodate people of all ages, the mosque administration and community members sought a more sustainable solution than simple repairs. In 1995, a foundation stone was laid, and construction began on a new mosque building to replace the deteriorated structure. The vision extended beyond merely erecting a new building; it aimed to develop the mosque as a comprehensive center for youth development through the establishment of an ethics center and social activities that would benefit both the local community and nearby areas.

 

Today, Salihul Islam Mosque (Bueng Toei), registered under number 139, continues to function as an active religious institution and a central gathering place for the community. The current mosque administration is led by Imam Pramote Charoensanga as imam, Mr. Idris Saman as khatib, and Mr. Muhammad Suebwong as bilal, together with the present management committee. Their responsibilities cover religious affairs, Islamic education, and community-based social activities. Viewed more deeply, the mosque is not merely a place for prayer but a community ecosystem that integrates faith, education, child care, and youth development within a single shared space. This reflects the enduring and rooted nature of Muslim cultural life in Bangkok, where religious institutions continue to evolve alongside the communities they serve.

 

For travelers interested in cultural learning or those who enjoy discovering local narratives, visiting a mosque in the Nong Chok area offers a distinctly different experience from mosques located in Bangkok’s inner tourist districts. The mosque is not surrounded by shopping complexes or major mass transit stations; instead, it sits within a suburban environment that still preserves the charm of everyday local life. Traveling along Pracha Samran Road and its smaller side streets allows visitors to observe community routines and daily interactions, helping them understand why the mosque was created and developed as a true community hub rather than solely a ceremonial space. Through this perspective, the value of the place becomes evident without relying on picturesque photo spots.

 

For non-Muslim visitors who wish to come for learning purposes, it is important to respect the religious nature of the space and the timing of religious activities. Choosing a time that does not interfere with prayer sessions, maintaining a quiet demeanor, and dressing modestly are all recommended. If visitors wish to take photographs or ask in-depth questions, requesting permission from mosque representatives in advance is considered appropriate. Many community-based mosques place great importance on maintaining order and privacy for worshippers, and respectful conduct often leads to more meaningful exchanges and learning opportunities, as community members are more willing to share their stories and perspectives.

 

Getting There Traveling to Salihul Islam Mosque (Bueng Toei) is most convenient by private car or taxi. Visitors can search for the mosque’s name directly or use the address along Pracha Samran Road, Pracha Samran 3 Alley, in Nong Chok district as a navigation reference. Upon entering the Bueng Toei community area, it is advisable to pay attention to intersections and smaller alleys branching off Pracha Samran Road. For those traveling from the Min Buri area or Suwinthawong Road, planning the route in advance can help avoid unnecessary detours within residential streets. If the visit is part of a broader Nong Chok itinerary, arranging destinations in a circular route can save time compared to retracing the same roads repeatedly.

 

To make the most of a visit, Nong Chok offers several nearby attractions and local areas worth exploring, ranging from family-friendly destinations and amusement parks to traditional markets and long-established neighborhoods. These can easily be combined into a one-day trip. Using the mosque as a cultural learning stop before continuing to other nearby sites allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the area. Above all, maintaining respect for religious spaces and local communities is essential, as the true charm of Nong Chok lies in its authenticity as a living neighborhood rather than a staged tourist zone.

 

 

A: The mosque is located in Nong Chok District, Bangkok, along Pracha Samran Road and Pracha Samran 3 Alley in the Bueng Toei community.

 

A: It began in 1980 as a religious school and early childhood development center before evolving into a formally registered mosque as the local community expanded.

 

A: The mosque was officially registered in 1991 and holds registration number 139.

 

A: Yes, non-Muslims may visit respectfully by dressing modestly, avoiding prayer times, and seeking permission if they wish to take photographs or ask detailed questions.

 

A: The mosque can be contacted by phone at 089-454-9205.