Thailand is one of the rare success stories of a non-Muslim-majority country building an internationally reputable Halal industry, not by granting administrative authority to religious organizations but by relying on scientific and technological capabilities. Besides the Central Council of Islamic Organizations of Thailand (CICOT) acting as the religious certification body, institutions such as the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University have integrated DNA analysis, chemical testing, and traceability systems into their certification processes, transforming many religious requirements into objectively verifiable technical criteria. This article analyzes Thailand’s “hybrid technocratic” model and compares it with Vietnam, where Decree No. 127/2026/ND-CP also places a strong emphasis on standards and quality control systems. Based on this, the article suggests that Vietnam needs to continue investing in developing testing, traceability, and risk management capabilities within the Halal supply chain to enhance credibility in international markets.

Keywords: Halal management; Thailand; Vietnam; Decree 127/2026/ND-CP; technical certification; traceability.