THE FIRST batch of 15 Thais injured in the Israel-Hamas conflict will be departing on a commercial flight on Wednesday Oct. 11 reaching Thailand the next day Oct. 12 while Palestinians have been contacted to release those held captive, Naewna newspaper said late afternoon today (Oct. 9).
Deputy Foreign Minister Chakkraphong Saengmanee said there was a meeting of the Rapid Response Centre this afternoon with Thai Ambassador to Israel Ms. Phannapa Chandrarom participating.
Around 700 civilians have been killed and over 2,000 injured in the southern territory near Gaza where fighting is raging. It has also been confirmed that around a hundred people of various nationalities have been taken hostage.
“As for the impact on Thai people, it was reported that 12 have died but this has not yet been confirmed by the Israeli embassy, it is notification by their employers… and nine taken hostage,” he said.
It was mentioned at the meeting that approximately 1,437 Thais in Israel want to return home while 23 said they do not want to do so.
Last night Israeli forces moved a number of Thais out of risky areas to safety.
Chakkraphong added that all channels are being prepared to fly Thais back home from Israel including arranging chartered flights with the air force ready to fly there to bring them back when able to do so.
Regarding Thais held hostage by the Hamas fighters, the Foreign Ministry has told embassies in countries that have relations with Palestine to urge them to release these innocent civilians.
“The Malaysian ambassador met with the Palestinian ambassador to raise Thailand’s concerns and request the release of Thai people who have been captured.
“As for the 80 Thai students in Israel, the ambassador said they are all safe,” he said.
Meanwhile National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon ordered all units to maintain strict control and safety in various important places and locations with the Immigration Division to watch out for people travelling here from high-risk countries.
Police patrols are being increased with checkpoints to be set up where needed.
Full effort will be made to ensure the safety of tourists, spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong said.
CAPTIONS:
Top: An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Ilan Rosenberg and published by CNA
Insert: Deputy Foreign Minister Chakkraphong Saengmanee. Photo: Naewna
Front Page: A rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip is intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defence missile system over Sderot on Oct. 8, 2023. Photo: AFP/Jack Guez and published by CNA
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