PETALING JAYA: The Narathiwat Islamic Council in Thailand will investigate an akad nikah (marriage solemnisation) ceremony allegedly involving a deputy minister which was conducted online.

       Astro Awani reported that the investigation would include calling up the imam of Masjid Kedai Baru in Sungai Golok, who conducted the ceremony.

       The council's vice-president Abdul Aziz Che Mamat said they had never approved online solemnisation ceremonies.

       "We will call the imam to get information and ask about this because the council has never given approval for akad nikah to be conducted online," he was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

       A video conversation between the politician, the imam and two other men believed to be witnesses, was being widely circulated and even posted on YouTube.

       The video and photos of the MP's marriage ceremony with a woman in her 20s had gone viral on social media, which was criticised as the ceremony was allegedly held when the country was under lockdown.

       A close-up shot of the certificate shows that the ceremony was conducted on June 1.

       Southern Thailand is also under movement control restrictions.

       The deputy minister concerned could not be reached for further comment.

       Thailand recently imposed movement control restrictions and stricter border controls near the Narathiwat province following reports of Covid-19 cases involving the Beta (South Africa) variant.