Tuesday, July 17, 2018

MADINAH — The first batch of 295 Thai pilgrims arrived at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport here on Monday.

A charter flight of Saudi Arabian Airlines, departing from Hat Yai International Airport in the southern part of Thailand, transported the pilgrims, who are among a total of 7,851 Thais to perform Haj this year.

In Thailand, the blessing ceremony and seeing off the Thai Haj pilgrims on the inaugural flight at the departure lounge of the airport was presided over by Deputy Interior Minister, Sutee Makboon, as well as Shiekhul Islam of Thailand, Aziz Phitakkumpon, and others high officials from many government bodies attended in this ceremony.

Acting Thai Consul-General, Abdulrahim Datumada, and officers from the Royal Thai Consulate General in Jeddah and various concerned Thai authorities collaborating under “Team Thailand”, welcomed the pilgrims at the arrival terminal.

“The Thai government considers Haj affairs an important matter and we at the consulate give utmost importance to the welfare of the pilgrims,” Datumada said.

“Most of the pilgrims are from the southern part of Thailand and every year charter flights operated by national carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways International and Saudi Arabian Airlines, which starting from this year, are arranged by the government to facilitate and transport them from Bangkok, Hadyai, Krabi, and Narathiwat airports, which are closer to their places of residence,” he said.

“On behalf of the Thai government, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Saudi government and concerned authorities for their efforts to facilitate and welcome pilgrims from Thailand and all over the world,” Datumada added.

“In fact, the manner in which we have been received by local authorities and the arrangements at the airport have all been impressive.” one of the Thai pilgrim said.

“It is my pride and honor to be among the first group of Haj pilgrims from Thailand this year,” he added.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/539238/SAUDI-ARABIA/First-batch-of-Thai-pilgrims-arrive