PHUKET Muslims are likely to begin their haj journey to Mecca without any of the disruptions being experienced by scores in Had Yai. The first 23 pilgrims left Phuket with Qatar Airways on Thursday.
About 400 more will fly out from Phuket for Mecca with Thai Airways on Sunday and Monday.
About five applicants had their visa requests turned down for making late application, the president of the Phuket Islamic Committee, Bamrung Sampaorat, told Phuketwan.
About 160 pilgrims were left to wait for a flight in Had Yai because of confusion about visas, he said.
Plans are proceeding for a new large Phuket Mosque that would cost about 100 million baht.
Khun Bamrung met with new Phuket Governor Tree Ackaradecha yesterday. The governor gave his support to the idea and said he would look for appropriate land.
The Phuket Muslim community is also looking for support to continue improvements at the Muslim school on the island.
Muslim children once went to Thailand's deep south provinces to complete their education, but the rise in violence there led to them staying on Phuket.
Phuket's Mass Circumcision: Photo SpecialAbout 400 more will fly out from Phuket for Mecca with Thai Airways on Sunday and Monday.
About five applicants had their visa requests turned down for making late application, the president of the Phuket Islamic Committee, Bamrung Sampaorat, told Phuketwan.
About 160 pilgrims were left to wait for a flight in Had Yai because of confusion about visas, he said.
Plans are proceeding for a new large Phuket Mosque that would cost about 100 million baht.
Khun Bamrung met with new Phuket Governor Tree Ackaradecha yesterday. The governor gave his support to the idea and said he would look for appropriate land.
The Phuket Muslim community is also looking for support to continue improvements at the Muslim school on the island.
Muslim children once went to Thailand's deep south provinces to complete their education, but the rise in violence there led to them staying on Phuket.
PHOTO ALBUM Phuketwan goes along with a camera as 30 young boys engage in a ritual circumcision that marks the beginning of the path to adulthood and the Muslim life.
Phuket's Mass Circumcision: Photo Special
Phuket's Grand Mosque Plan Wins the Governor
Photo Album With one in three of Phuket's population being Muslim, the prospect of a Grand Mosque is a significant ambition. And now the plan has three potential sites and the Governor's support.
Phuket's Grand Mosque Plan Wins the Governor
Patong Bid for Bars Ban Near Muslim Mosque
Photo Album While Muslims have always been an essential part of the Phuket community, never have they been so prosperous. And halal culture is likely to bring more tourists in the future.
Patong Bid for Bars Ban Near Muslim Mosque
Phuket's Muslims Celebrate Tolerance All Year
Latest Muslims are increasingly important partners in the future of Phuket and its tourism industry, adding to the island's attractions and its tolerance of all faiths.
Phuket's Muslims Celebrate Tolerance All Year
Tasty Flavors of Muslim Phuket, until Sept 24
Latest Halal food is full of flavor and very different to conventional southern Thai food on Phuket. The food festival at Saphan Hin is a chance to enjoy the change in taste.
Tasty Flavors of Muslim Phuket, until Sept 24
