JEDDAH: The Thai community in Jeddah celebrated Eid Al-Fitr at the residence of Thai Consul General Praphat Chantaharn in Jeddah over the weekend.
More than 500 Thais took part in the celebration, which was marked by interactive games and quiz programs for children.
The consul general, who presided over the prize distribution, said the celebration was organized to bring together the community and give the Eid message. “Follow the message of Eid, and maintain peace, solidarity and brotherhood in the community,” he said.
“This is the first time that the Thai Consulate had hosted Eid Al-Fitr celebrations and we hope this will be followed every year,” a community member remarked.
About 20,000 Thais live and work across Saudi Arabia, about 15,000 of them in Jeddah and other parts of the western region alone. They are mostly engaged in technical, skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
About 10,000 Thai pilgrims performed Haj last year. Some 13,000 to 15,000 Thai pilgrims are expected to come for Haj this year. Several hundred Thais also visit the Kingdom for Umrah every year.
The consulate is also running Thai language classes for children every Thursday. More than 100 children are currently enrolled.
Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, which soured in the late 1980s, are likely to be normalized soon. The bilateral relations received a setback in the wake of the murder of four Saudi diplomats and the disappearance of Saudi businessmen and stolen jewelry.
“We feel optimistic that relations will get back on track in the near future,” the spokesman said, adding that since 2002, joint efforts have been made by the two sides to reach a compromise and normalize the relations.
The volume of Thai imports from Saudi Arabia exceeds $5 billion and its exports to the Kingdom $1 billion. The increasing trade is also seen as a positive sign to further improve the bilateral relations
