INVESTIGATING ZAKAT PAYMENT OF THAI MUSLIMS

Abstract

This study examines the payment of zakat among Thai Muslims whose wealth exceeds the minimum threshold (nisab) and who are thus obliged to pay zakat. It attempts to assess whether the amount of zakat paid fulfils the requirement and to determine the amount of zakat overpaid or underpaid, based on 2.5% of zakatable wealth, as measured by income from different sources. Using 460 questionnaires collected from Thai Muslims aged 15 years and over who paid zakat in 2015, this study employs a two-part model. The first part analyses the probability of fulfilling or not fulfilling an obligation to fully pay zakat using the Multinomial Logit method of estimation, while the second part focuses on the amount of zakat overpaid/underpaid using the Ordinary Least Squares method. It is found that the probability of paying the required zakat will increase and the amount of zakat underpaid will decrease if a person pays zakat more than once a year, or the value of a person’s net assets increases. In addition, for those whose zakat payments already exceed the amount required, the trust and accountability of the intermediate institutions or individuals who manage zakat will positively affect the amount of zakat overpaid considerably. Therefore, official organisations responsible for the collection and distribution of zakat at the community, provincial, regional and national levels should be established with integrity, transparency and good governance so that people are encouraged to pay more zakat and the lives of those in need can be lifted accordingly.