Je-Seth collaborates with Saudia Airlines to set aviation and service standards for Thai Hajj pilgrims in 2027, confidently planning ahead to avoid repeating past problems.
At 12:00 PM on 8 Nov 2026 (local time) in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Je-Seth Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior, accompanied by Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration; Paris Charoensilp, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Interior; and Weekit Manarojkit, Director of Internal Security Affairs Bureau, visited and monitored Saudia Airlines’ preparations to support Thai pilgrims traveling for the 2027 Hajj ceremony.
Je-Seth met with His Excellency Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General; Arwed Nikolaus von Sauer Mühlen, Executive Vice President of Commercial Affairs; Atiyah Al Jehani, Senior Manager for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore; along with airline executives to review plans for flight readiness, safety, and services. They analyzed issues and obstacles from last year’s travel and devised advance solutions to prevent recurrence and to accommodate the expected increase in pilgrim numbers in 2027.
They also discussed providing advance flight schedules within an appropriate timeframe to enable pilgrims to plan their journeys efficiently. Since many pilgrims travel from provinces to the country’s main airports, knowing schedules in advance helps them arrange travel, accommodation, and necessary preparations properly, reducing anxiety and potential problems before departure.
Following that, the delegation toured the air traffic control demonstration center, observing the training and testing processes for aviation and service personnel standards before actual deployment. They also visited the in-flight service section, reviewing samples of meals, containers, equipment, and facilities that will be provided to support Thai pilgrims throughout their flights.
Je-Seth said that in 2027, a large number of Thai pilgrims are expected to travel for Hajj, requiring thorough preparation in all aspects, especially safety. They are also planning to address external factors and potential disaster situations that could affect travel.
"We have brought up last year’s issues with airline executives and planned solutions in advance to avoid repeating the same problems, as well as prepared contingency plans for various possible situations. This is to ensure our Thai pilgrims can perform their religious duties safely and with full confidence," he said.
This visit is part of the cooperation between Thai and Saudi authorities, using lessons learned from the past year and suggestions from all parties to proactively plan and elevate care for Thai pilgrims traveling to the 2027 Hajj, ensuring safety, efficiency, and proper support throughout their journey.
