Airport ceremony to send Thai pilgrims to haj

NARATHIWAT, July 24 (TNA) -- Authorities organized a ceremony at the airport of Narathiwat province to see off Muslims leaving for haj in Saudi Arabia this year. Anucha Mokkhawet, advisor to the interior minister, presided over the ceremony at Narathiwat airport. He said haj was an important activity of Muslims and about 3 million Muslims worldwide went to Mecca every year for the pilgrimage. The government had always supported haj by Thai Muslims prioritizing their conveniences and safety for the important mission, he said. “This airport is the center of three southern border provinces and ensures conveniences for Muslims leaving for haj. Many parties proposed more flights for the purpose. This will depend on the number of travelers… If this facility is a convenient choice, more flights will be possible here,” Mr Anucha said. Narathiwat governor Suraporn Prommun said Saudi Arabia allowed 7,861 Thai Muslims to do haj this year and of the pilgrims, 1,730 were set to depart from Narathiwat airport on six flights of Thai Airways International on July 24-26. The first flight is TG8800, leaving at 10.30am for arrival in Jeddah airport at 4.50pm local time. (TNA)