Southern borders in Thailand crowded with Thai Muslims ahead of Haji celebrations

NARATHIWAT, Sept 11 (TNA) - Thai Muslims who work in neighboring countries flocked to return home in Thailand for the Islamic festival of Hari Raya Haji, or so-called the Feast of Sacrifice. The three Thai border checkpoints in Narathiwat province - Sungai Kolok, Tak Bai and Waeng – were reportedly crowded with Thai Muslims who came back from Malaysia and Singapore on Sunday as they were waiting in long lines to go through immigration. More officials were deployed to facilitate the immigration process and tighten security at the three checkpoints. To celebrate the Muslim holiday of Hari Raya Haji, which falls on Sept. 12, a large number of Thai Muslims returned to their hometowns in Songkhla, Yala and Pattani provinces. Public vans proved to be a very popular transport service by which they had used to reach their destinations. The festival was seen giving the local economy a boost, particularly at local gold shops, where the Muslims went to buy jewelry for such an auspicious occasion. (TNA)