SAUDI ARABIA’S HAJJ MANAGEMENT: EXPLORE THE PROBLEMS OF HAJJ OPERATIONS IN THAILAND AND THE MANAGEMENT MODEL OF MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE

Abstract

    The research objectives aim to explore the methods which Saudi Arabia employs to manage the Hajj pilgrimage, and the guidelines in which the Department of Administrative Affairs of Thailand’s Ministry of Interior manages the Hajj pilgrimage; to analyze the issues which arise when operating a Hajj pilgrimage from Thailand; to explore the guidelines of Hajj management model in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Research methods included qualitative research, in-depth interviews, documentary research and brainstorming. Key informants were selected from the group of 40 individuals from 3 designated regions, namely the central, the north and the south. Information was compiled through semi-structured interviews following the ethical process of human research data, and collected through conversations, voice recordings, and note taking. Data analysis employed the descriptive narrative method and adapted the qualitative data analysis procedure of Colaizzi (1978). The findings indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Management adopted a technology called E-TRACK Hajj Management System, resulting in more efficiency and efficacy than the past. Contrastingly, necessary improvements to the management of Hajj in Thailand include government agencies’ management of Hajj Affairs, quotas and registration, air travel to embark on a Hajj pilgrimage, accommodation, meals, and travel services within Saudi Arabia, etc. In terms of Hajj management models, this research found that the organization of Hajj in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are well-managed and structured which can be applied to Thailand.