8-10-2023 (BANGKOK) One Thai national has been killed and eleven others have been detained in Israel during a recent attack by Hamas, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai workers were caught in the crossfire, and their safety remains a major concern as the situation escalates.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the press before his departure from Wing 6 in Don Muang district, expressing his deep concern for the Thai workers affected by the attack. He revealed that there was an unconfirmed report of one Thai national losing their life and approximately eleven others being held captive in Israel. However, the exact number of injured Thai individuals is still unknown.
Mr. Srettha emphasized that the Thai workers caught in this unfortunate incident are innocent and have no involvement in the ongoing conflict. He pledged to utilize all available diplomatic channels to secure the release of the detainees. The Prime Minister’s primary objective is to ensure the safe return of the Thai victims to their homeland.
Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the affected Thais remain unverified due to the lockdown measures in Israel. The Israeli government has mandated that citizens stay at home, making it difficult to gather accurate information about the situation. Prime Minister Srettha assured the press that the Royal Thai Air Force is prepared to deploy transport aircraft for the evacuation of Thai nationals once the circumstances allow.
To facilitate a swift evacuation, Mr. Srettha instructed the Thai ambassador in Israel to keep the aircraft on standby near the country. However, the Israeli airspace remains completely closed, posing a significant challenge to the evacuation efforts.
The Prime Minister disclosed that each flight has the capacity to carry up to 423 people. With approximately 25,000 Thai workers residing in Israel, including around 5,000 in locked-down areas, the evacuation process is expected to be complex and time-consuming.
In light of the situation, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee was excluded from the Prime Minister’s delegation and directed to remain in Thailand to oversee operations related to the crisis in Israel. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue effectively and ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.
Prime Minister Srettha’s upcoming trip will include visits to Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore, as he continues his diplomatic engagements in the region. However, his focus remains firmly on the welfare and safe return of the Thai workers affected by the conflict in Israel.
