11-10-2023 (BANGKOK) The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced that an Airbus A340 aircraft will be dispatched to Israel on October 15th to bring back 140 stranded Thai citizens, as reported by The Nation. The defence minister, Sutin Klungsang, stated that the Foreign Ministry is working closely with Israel to facilitate the repatriation process for Thais affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. To ensure a smooth operation, the first group of 15 individuals will be flown back to Thailand on a commercial flight scheduled for Thursday.
In an effort to address concerns about their own participation hindering the operation, both Sutin Klungsang and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have decided not to join the flight on October 15th. Sutin dismissed criticism from the opposition regarding the delay in rescuing Thai citizens in Israel, emphasizing that the rescue operation is a collaborative effort involving multiple parties, not solely dependent on Thailand. He also reassured the public that Thai officials in Tel Aviv have taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of the affected individuals.
Sutin emphasized that the military had prepared the aircraft well in advance, and although several ministers are ready to participate, their presence could potentially delay the operation. He further highlighted the importance of utilizing both military and commercial aircraft for the repatriation, as relying solely on the Air Force’s aircraft could lead to logistical challenges and delays.
Regarding the issue of Thais being detained by Hamas, Sutin affirmed that Thailand and Israel are closely cooperating to address the situation. While all Thai hostages are reported to be safe, their release has not yet been secured. Air Force Commander-in-Chief, ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul, confirmed that a rescue team comprising approximately 20 officers is prepared to bring the stranded Thais back to their home country on October 15th, with an additional rescue team on standby.
