BANGKOK – The Secretariat of Thai Hajj Affairs Promotion Committee has warned Thai Muslims against being lured into attending Hajj pilgrimage tour groups that are sponsored by other countries.
The Department of Provincial Administration has issued a statement that someone who claimed to be a representative of a Hajj business entity posted a message on social media inviting those who are interested to attend Hajj pilgrimage sponsored by another country to meet at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Gate 10, Departure Zone, on 24 August 2017 at 4.00 p.m. to prepare to leave for Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj ceremonies on a Thai Airways International Public Company Limited’s flight at 10.00 p.m. on the same day.
The Secretariat of Thai Hajj Affairs Promotion Committee has confirmed that Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has prepared a total of 31 flights to accommodate 8,833 Thai pilgrims to fly to Saudi Arabia. The last flight departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday, 23 August, at 2.40 p.m.
In addition, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Thailand has confirmed that it will not issue visas for Thai Hajj pilgrims after 18 August 2017. The Secretariat of Thai Hajj Affairs Promotion Committee did not find the Hajj business entity on its Hajj business operator register.
Therefore, the Department of Provincial Administration as the Secretariat of Thai Hajj Affairs Promotion Committee has warned Thai Muslims against being lured into attending a Hajj pilgrimage arranged and sponsored by another country, advising them to think carefully before deciding to travel to perform the Hajj ceremonies with any person or group of people.
Those who believe they have been deceived are advised to seek legal action by informing their local chief district officer, deputy district chief, subdistrict headman, village headman, provincial Damrongtham center, district Damrongtham center or the Secretariat of Thai Hajj Affairs Promotion Committee (Islam and Hajj Affairs Organization Promotion Division), Tel. 02-223-6740 or 02-221-0151-8 Ext. 3186 and 3187.
