Thai Muslims have already filled the online application quota of 15,000 people allowed to complete their haj pilgrimage for October, 2013.
Preecha Kanthiya, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department said so far a total of 26,968 applicants have sought approval to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the Haj. Of that number, 8,751 submitted their applications in 2012 so they will be considered first.
The main pilgrimage this year will be Oct 13-18.
Applicants who applied after the quota was filled will be considered in 2014. Last year, Thailand had a quota of 13,000 Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, but for this year the government sought an additional 2,000 places.
The applications all have the same conditions _ online registration followed by the submission of documents and payment for travel insurance, food and transportation.