The first batch of pilgrims, 284 in number, from the southern provinces of Thailand arrived here Thursday. They were received by Anchalee Saifah, Deputy Consul General of Thailand, and Halim Waenalai, Haj Consul, along with other Thai and local Haj officials. “The Thai government considers Haj affairs an important matter. Most pilgrims are from the southern part of Thailand. Therefore, every year chartered flights are arranged by the government to facilitate and transport them from Hat Yai, Phuket, and Krabi airports, which are closer to their places of residence,” Saifah said, according to a press release from the Thai consulate. “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 in preparing and arranging everything to facilitate and welcome pilgrims from Thailand and all over the world,” she added. The pilgrims arrived by Thai International Airways, which this year will operate 24 inbound charter flights to King Abdul Aziz International Airport's Haj Terminal. Some 13,000 pilgrims from Thailand will be coming for Haj this year.
