The club, comprising Muslim leaders in Bacho, said it had earlier tried to participate in the project because it was an important ancient site and a part of the local heritage. They had also invited Malayu art experts to design the learning centre. However, the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre later hired a Pathum Thani-based private joint venture, and it was unclear if this company had the required experience and knowledge to restore a Malayu architectural religious site, they said.

Club vice president Muhammad-Sulhan Lamata earlier this week issued a call for a halt to the project to the Foreign Ministry, the National Legislative Assembly and the Office of the Ombudsman. “We want the government to suspend this project because one contractor company is having an issue of bankruptcy and cannot work inside the mosque but only in the surrounding area,” he said.