Representatives from TCMD are currently in Indonesia as part of their efforts to develop strategies for promoting democracy and pluralism in Thailand, particularly in the predominately Muslim South. Representatives from Indonesian NGOs present at the discussion included Khamami Zada (LAKPESDAM), Istiqomah (P3M), Yuniyanti Huzaifah (ISIM), Maman Abdurrahman (Rahima), Lily Munir (CEPDES), Fajar (JIMM) and Luthfi Assyaukanie (Freedom Institute). They discussed their respective organisations programs, with many focusing on radio programs, training sessions for ulama, publications, public advocacy and intellectual discourse building.

Following these introductions, the Director of ICIP, Dr. Syafi'i Anwar provided some background on recent political and religious developments in Indonesia. In particular he argued that since the fall of Soeharto, Indonesia has seen an upsurge in demands amongst some Muslim groups in Indonesia that syari'ah (Islamic law) be established as the ideological foundation for the Indonesian state. The groups at the forefront of these efforts are conservative Islamic groups which tend to be exclusive and anti-pluralist in nature. Furthermore, he argued that these groups mistakenly believe that syari'ah will be a quick-fix solution to the multi-dimensional crisis currently facing the country. ICIPs position in relation to these conservative groups is to promote the ideas of pluralism and democracy as a more effective means of solving the current multi-dimensional crisis while preserving social harmony and freedom.

In response, Director of TCMD, Ahmad Somboon Bualuang and Deputy Director Sukree Langputeh agreed with Dr. Syafii Anwar that pluralism and democracy are values which must be at the forefront of Islamic NGOs activities. However they also mentioned that due to the political situation in Thailand some of the strategies used by NGOs in Indonesia would be difficult to implement in Thailand. Activities such as trainings, radio programs and advocacy are sometimes seen as potential security and separatist threats to the Thai government and its predominately Buddhist population. The Muslim community's position as a minority in Thailand has meant that it must treat carefully when promoting concepts such as democracy and pluralism in their country.

Following the discusssion with representatives from Indonesian NGOs, the representatives from TCMD were able to have a closer discussion ICIP on their activities in particular. The discussion touched on issues such as program cycles, program focus, funding as well as the possibility of involving other groups and conducting dialogue with other Islamic NGOs and conservative groups. Dr. Sukree Langputeh and Dr. Syafii Anwar both agreed that in order for ideas of pluralism being promoted by Islamic NGOs to be taken seriously, they will need to develop cooperative links with non-Muslim NGOs. Dr. Sukree saw this as particularly important in Thailand, where the current political situation often results in much of the non-Muslim population harbouring deep suspicions towards Muslims, and being quick to dismiss even ideas of democracy and pluralism emanating from Muslim NGOs.

Ultimately both ICIP and TCMD agreed that programs for promoting democracy and pluralism should not only be brought about from the top-down, but also encouraged from the bottom-up. There was also a hope from both sides that they will be able to work together in the future, with joint research or fellows exchange being possible programs that could be cooperatively undertaken by both ICIP and TCMD. Following the discussion, in the evening there was an informal welcome dinner, which featured short addresses from Dr. Syafii Anwar (ICIP), Ahmad Somboon Bualuang (TCMD) and Dr. Robin Bush (The Asia Foundation).