JEDDAH, 7 December 2004 — The Thai government is financing for the first time the pilgrimage of 350 citizens. They are part of 10,100 Thai pilgrims who will perform Haj this year, according to Thai Consul General Sukasem Yothasamutr.
“The total number this time marks an increase of 3,100 over last year,” he told Arab News during a reception he hosted to mark his country’s National Day on Sunday.
The first group of 420 Thai pilgrims will fly in on Dec. 13. Phuket Airline, Thai Airways and Royal Brunei Airline are transporting 95 percent of the pilgrims. The rest will come by other carriers.
As part of the national day celebrations, marked on King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 77th birthday, the Thai community organized various activities at their consulate on the weekend. More than 1,000 Thai expatriates took part. Some of them participated in a voluntary blood donation program with the cooperation of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center.
The community also raised donations on the spot to support non-profit Thai language classes run by the consulate for Thai children resident here. There are around 15,000 Thai residents in the Western Province and another 5,000 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Speaking at the reception, which was attended by local officials, diplomats and businessmen, Yothsamutr said King Bhumibol, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1927, was the longest reigning ruler of Thailand. He ascended the throne in 1946, but continued his education in Switzerland and reigned under a regency council. He returned to Thailand for his marriage in 1950 and his coronation followed soon after.
The king has been a catalyst for bringing the country to the international stage.
