Bangkok: The government has organized a medical team to deliver health care services to over 6,000 Thai Muslims undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens during the religious journey.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Ministry of Public Health has developed a comprehensive health system to support Thai pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. A total of 6,603 Thais are scheduled to perform the Hajj between April 29 and June 2, 2025, with their return planned between June 12 and July 7, 2025. Prior to their departure, the Ministry has made arrangements for health screenings, provided health care advice, and administered vaccinations against meningococcal disease and influenza to ensure pilgrims’ preparedness.
Mr. Karom emphasized that the government consistently prioritizes health care for Thai Muslims participating in the Hajj each year. Typically, around 13,000 Thai Muslims receive a quota to travel for the pilgrimage. This year, under the initiative HEALTH FOR HAJJ, a team of 27 medical personnel, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and public health officers, has been assembled. The team is divided into two groups: the first group, consisting of 15 members, is set to work from April 28 to June 23, 2025, while the second group, comprising 12 members, will operate from May 13 to July 8, 2025.
The medical team will provide services in Mecca and Madinah, with a field team dedicated to health care services and monitoring risk groups in the plains of Arafah and Musdalifah. Upon the pilgrims’ return to Thailand, local public health agencies will conduct health monitoring, particularly for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and other infectious diseases, for a period of 14-30 days to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.
Mr. Karam highlighted that promoting the health of Thai Muslims participating in the pilgrimage reflects broader efforts to maintain health security for all Thai citizens and demonstrates a commitment to public health cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The initiative also strengthens bilateral relations, which are currently flourishing in areas such as economics, trade and investment, food security, energy, tourism, and culture.