Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The first batch of 875 Thai pilgrims arrived at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Monday. Thai Airways International transported the pilgrims who are among a total of 8,833 Thais to perform Haj this year.

Also the first batch of Bangladeshi Haj pilgrims too arrived on Monday with Saudi Haj Ministry officials, Ambassador Golam Moshi, Counselor Haj Muhammad Makdudur Rahman at hand to receive them, The pilgrims were received warmly with gifts from the Haj Ministry.

Thai Consul-General, Thanis Na Songkhla, 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,” Na Sonkhla 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 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,” Na Sonkhla 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.