Almost 2,000 Muslims head to Mecca for haj
The Interior Ministry permanent secretary chaired a ceremony on Tuesday to see off 1,935 Muslims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual haj pilgrimage.
Permanent secretary Chatchai Promlert chaired the ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6.30am.
Samut Prakan Governor Chartchai Uthaiphan, Suvarnabhumi Airport deputy director Suthat Suwanphongsai, Provincial Administration Department director-general Arthit Boonyasophat and representatives of the Chularajmontri and the Saudi charge d’affaires also took part in the function.
The 1,935 Muslims departed Bangkok on seven THAI and Saudi Arabian Airlines flights to the Middle Eastern country, where they will perform haj rites until August 6.
To make it convenient for the pilgrims, the airport provided special channels for immigration and customs, as well as a medical checkup at Gates 4 and 9.
The airport also provided three prayer rooms on the third floor of the departure building, and a prayer room on the third floor of Boarding Building E and the second floor of Boarding Building C.
