Thai pilgrims start to leave for Saudi Arabia

NARATHIWAT, July 24 (TNA) -- Thai authorities see off Thai pilgrims who leave for Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for their haj. The government prepared direct flights for their conveniences for the fifth year. Deputy Interior Minister Sutee Markboon was among the authorities present at Narathiwat airport to witness the departure. The government arranges for chartered flights of Thai Airways International from Narathiwat and Hat Yai to Medina for their conveniences. On Monday (July 24), 586 Thai pilgrims departed from Narathiwat airport on two flights set at 11.30am and 2.40pm. Two more flights were scheduled on July 25 and would increase the number of outgoing pilgrims to 1,153. Narathiwat governor Sitthichai Sakda said 8,833 Thai Muslims would be among nearly 3 million pilgrims in Mecca this year and the haj was the event gathering the highest number of participants in the world. Narathiwat airport was crowded with the pilgrims and relatives in the morning. Authorities stepped up security measures to the highest degree to guarantee safety. All visitors and their luggage were carefully scanned. (TNA)