Pilgrims head to Medina on NCPO-arranged flight
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The first batch of Thai-Muslim pilgrims left southern province of Narathiwat on Wednesday for Medina in Saudi Arabia.
The TG flight carrying 281 pilgrims, most of whom were from the three southern border provinces, was arranged by the military junta. The airport was under tight security.
The junta’s secretary general Gen Udomdej Sitabutr presided over a ceremony to see them off. He stated that, unlike in other years, the flight from Narathiwat to Medina had been specially arranged by the NCPO for Muslim pilgrims from the southernmost region in a bid to provide them with convenient travel.
Gen Udomdej wished them well on their journey and encouraged them to exchange religious knowledge with other pilgrims who would be going to Saudi Arabia from around globe. They were also asked to properly represent Thailand by being courteous and abiding by the rules and regulations of the host country.
Another NCPOarranged flight to Medina by Thai Airways is scheduled to take off from Narathiwat Airport late this afternoon, with a total of 296 pilgrims.
