Thai Prime Minister Gives Updates on Evacuation Hurdles and Casualties Among Thais in Israel

PRESS RELEASE:

BANGKOK (NNT) – The ongoing unrest in the Middle East has escalated, leading to an increased death toll among Thai nationals, now totaling 21.

As the situation deteriorates, the Thai government is intensifying efforts to evacuate citizens out of danger zones, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Restricted road access in Israel leaves military vehicles as the sole transportation option.

Before departing Malaysia for Singapore, Prime Minister Srettha disclosed that new routes are being explored for a more efficient evacuation process. Maritime routes are currently considered too perilous. Alternative road routes through different borders are being evaluated, and government officials are working to expedite the process while ensuring maximum safety.

The first group of 15 evacuated Thai nationals is expected to arrive in Thailand today at around 11 am local time. To address the logistical challenges in evacuating citizens, partnerships have been formed with airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air who will each provide at least two planes. The availability of additional planes from Thai Airways is still under consideration.

The government currently owns five aircraft and is in discussions with the Ministry of Transport to possibly secure more. According to the Prime Minister, the focus now is on swift and safe evacuations.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.