First batch of Thai pilgrims arrives

JEDDAH: The first batch of 436 Thai pilgrims arrived at the Haj Terminal of King Abdul Aziz Airport here early yesterday.

Thai Airways International, EgyptAir and Royal Jordanian Airline transported the pilgrims who are among a total of 13,000 Thais to perform Haj this year.

Local Haj officials, including Atef Al-Fasi, a supervisor at the Haj Terminal, and officers of the Thai Consulate General headed by Consul General Praphat Chantaharn welcomed the pilgrims.

“The Thai government considers Haj affairs an important matter and we at the consulate give utmost importance to the welfare of the pilgrims,” Chantaharn said. Most of the pilgrims are from the southern part of Thailand and every year charter flights are arranged by the government to facilitate and transport them from Hadyai and Phuket 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,” Chantaharn added.

“I am very happy and pleased to know that the Kingdom has made excellent arrangements for Haj,” Maleepeng Jehnah, the group leader of the pilgrims, said.

“In fact, the manner in which we have been received by local authorities and the arrangements at the airport have all been impressive,” he said. “It is my pride and honor to lead the first group of Haj pilgrims from Thailand this year,” he added.