Emergency Coordination Center Discussing for an hour and a half, "Bhoomtham" revealed that although the official death toll of Thais was 2, it was reported that the number may rise to 10, awaiting confirmation from Israel, ordering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with friends in surrounding countries. Evacuate Thai people to a safe place before returning to Thailand. Ready to emphasize that Thailand is neutral and wants to see the two countries end the conflict in peace.
After a meeting of the Emergency Coordination Center (Rapid Response Center) lasting more than 1.5 hours, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Acting Prime Minister along with Mr. Chakkraphong Saengmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Phrommin Lertsuriyadej Secretary to the Prime Minister Announced the progress of the event violence in the Middle East
Mr. Phumtham said that we have been following the situation with concern for the lives and property of Thai people. in this kind of emergency situation Therefore, there was a discussion to prepare for helping all Thai people in Israel. Because the incident was so violent that it was declared a war. Thailand and the Thai government take an important position: we are neutral in this conflict situation. and recognize the existence of both states, Palestine and Israel. We want to see the two countries end their conflict through peaceful means. Together we cooperate in peace negotiations.
There are 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, with approximately 5,000 near the Gaza Strip where the violence occurred. The Thai Embassy remains the center for coordination. But today we still can't go anywhere. As the Israeli government declared a state of emergency. Let everyone stay at home. But we have prepared coordination with various sectors in advance. We practice emergency plans. Because they believe that emergency situations can happen at any time.
Mr. Phumtham also said that during the meeting There was a discussion with the Thai Ambassador in Tel Aviv, Israel, the Navy, the Air Force, the Army, and the Ministry of Public Health. Ministry of Transport The Security Council and all related agencies are now known to have died. Officially 2 people, but there is a news report from the employer that There are likely to be as many as 10 cases, but we must wait for confirmation from the Israeli authorities again. The official number of those taken hostage is now 11, while the total number of injured now stands at 8, including 2 with serious injuries and 6 with minor injuries.
Mr. Phumtham also said that The Air Force has now prepared 6 aircraft, consisting of 1 A340 and 5 C130s, ready to travel immediately. But for now, wait for information first. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for compiling the names of all Thai people living in Israel. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Seek friends in countries surrounding Israel. To evacuate Thai people to a safe area first. to immigrate back to Thailand Since there are up to 30,000 Thai people, it would be impossible to emigrate all at once. Especially in the Gaza Strip area where there are up to 5,000 Thai people, please don't be worried.
Ready to emphasize that now there is no need to wait for an emergency situation to occur. We are ready to take action immediately. But the problem now is that it is a matter of communication. Who can be contacted or not? There are some parts that still cannot be contacted. We will expedite the contact process as quickly as possible. However, at this time it is still unclear who will coordinate the return to Thailand. But we estimated that if the situation is dire We are ready to handle it. If we receive a signal, we are ready to act immediately. We have laid out some coordination points. We have to wait for the situation to improve a little.
When asked when the Situation Assessment Center would be able to help Thai people, Mr. Phumtham said he was still confused because the situation was considered sudden and urgent without any prior assessment or knowledge. Now what is the greatest way to avoid loss? is preparation At this time, Thai people have nothing to worry about. Except for the people who were in the event
Mr. Phumtham also mentioned the operating model: to the embassy in Israel Conduct data collection in one central location Then we will coordinate with the Thai authorities. for unity
When asked about families in Thailand becoming more concerned. How to proceed? Mr. Phumtham said that he has given the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Go down and take care of your mind. Help details He sees that the most important thing right now is healing the mind. and try to show that the Thai state will definitely not abandon it. Readyyum with our brothers and sisters in the northeastern and northern regions who work there, we assure you that we will take care of you. the best We will use everything according to our potential. To maintain the safety of our Thai brothers and sisters
When asked by the Israeli authorities What was reported? Mr. Phumtham said that Israel confirmed that I will take care of Thai people the best I can. Some parts are now being evacuated by the Israeli authorities. Go to a safe place.
Mr. Phumtham also revealed that There are 8-9 Thai students studying in Israel. Now it is confirmed that everyone is safe.
Mrs. Kanchana Phattharachoke, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that at the Emergency Situation Center meeting Regarding the progress of the violent situation in Israel, Ms. Phanpha Chandrarom, Ambassador in Tel Aviv, who attended the online meeting to summarize the situation in the area. Revealed that the situation in the Gaza Strip is still severe. And the Israeli authorities do not allow anyone to enter the area. And people are strictly not allowed to leave their homes. The internet is still not available in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, workers can be contacted via telephone numbers. However, Thai people outside the area have not been affected and are safe. At this time, there are preliminary reports that There were 8 Thai people injured, 2 dead (1 confirmed by the official) and the employer was notified that a number of others died but the Embassy Pending further information to be confirmed, 11 people have been arrested. The Embassy is in the process of coordinating with Israeli authorities to confirm the information and provide assistance.
The meeting rehearsed and discussed the evacuation plan and the relief care plan for those affected. Even now, no country has immigrated. But the Thai authorities will prepare when the situation calls for it. To be able to act quickly when the time comes. It must also be according to the wishes of Thai workers whether they will return or not. The government will closely follow developments and take care of Thai people in the area. We have also sent officials to contact family and relatives in Thailand.
In addition, the Department of Consular Affairs contacted Ms. Wanida Angkaew, the Thai wife who was arrested. To inquire and provide encouragement, the Ministry of Labor has also contacted relatives of affected workers.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also ordered the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to coordinate with the Palestine Office in Malaysia to express concern about the situation and to coordinate the release of Thai people. There will be a meeting of the Emergency Situation Center to monitor the situation daily. Next
Source: Thai News Agency