AhlulBayt News Agency: The group, which mostly consisted of farmers, expressed a deep desire to participate in annual pilgrimages, especially during Arbaeen, and requested that travel for Thai Shias be made easier.
The group visited the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) and received detailed information about the services and arrangements there. They emphasized that visiting the shrines of Imam Hussain (a.s) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s) in Karbala holds great spiritual importance for Shia Muslims in Thailand.
Sheikh Mohammad Jawad Lutfi, a member of the group, told Noon News Agency that the pilgrims came from the southern Thai province of Pattani, which borders Malaysia. He explained that the Shia population in Thailand is estimated to be between 60,000 to 75,000. In the capital Bangkok, there are religious institutions and Hussainiyas where Shia ceremonies and programs are held.
He further said that in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, there is the Ruhullah Khomeini Mosque and the Imam Mahdi (a.j) School, where young followers of AhlulBayt receive religious education. These schools offer a three-year course, after which students can continue their religious studies in seminaries (hawzas) in Iran or Iraq. Other provinces in Thailand also have religious schools and mosques where Islamic and jurisprudential subjects are taught.
He mentioned that most members of the group visiting Karbala were farmers, similar to many Shia Muslims in Thailand who are involved in various professions. The group was accompanied by Mr. Sulaiman Al-Husseini, the representative of the Shia community in Thailand.
He added, “When a person visits these holy places, their soul feels peace and strength, and they draw closer to God.”
In conclusion, Sheikh Lutfi said the main purpose of such pilgrimages is spiritual nourishment and a deep connection with the holy shrines of the Imams (a.s). He emphasized the need to make the journey to Karbala easier for Thai Shias, especially during special occasions like Arbaeen or after Ramadan. Travel costs are very high, so if better accommodation facilities were provided, the pilgrimage would become more accessible for many.
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