1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, as the main agency responsible for the protection and well-being of Thai nationals abroad, attaches highest importance to this mission. Since the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in China, the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing together with all the Royal Thai Consulates-General in China have urged Thais residing in respective areas, especially in the city of Wuhan and Hubei Province, to pay attention to coronavirus situation, and provided them with information on health care through various channels, including WeChat application and hotline numbers. This is to ensure and facilitate all Thais to have access to appropriate assistance and advice from medical experts. The Thai missions in China have also sent masks and alcohol-based sanitisers, as well as transferred cash to those Thais in need in the affected areas at this time. Furthermore, on 1 February 2020, the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing dispatched three officials to Wuhan to facilitate the Thai people in Wuhan and Hubei who have registered to return to Thailand.                        

2. On 4 February 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand will lead an operation team, comprising relevant Government and private agencies - including representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Department of Consular Affairs, and Thai Air Asia - to Wuhan to bring 145 Thais who have voluntarily requested the return to Thailand through the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. The operation is jointly supported by various agencies such as Airports of Thailand Plc., the Immigration Bureau, and the Ministry of Defence. The assistance mission provided for Thais wishing to return home voluntarily is in close collaboration with the Chinese authorities. Relevant Thai agencies under the Rapid Response Centre (RRC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have jointly assessed the situation and prepared for the mission. On 3 February 2020, the team also met with H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, for guidance before traveling to Wuhan. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of ensuring safety of the team members and all Thais in Wuhan, both in the preparation process as well as placing relevant measures in place after their return to Thailand. 

3. The flight on 4 February 2020 will carry a shipment of supplies, graciously granted by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, which includes protective equipment for the medical team and the Thais in Wuhan, such as medical supplies, face masks, gloves, and waterproof gowns. This mission also reflects Thai people’s sympathy and well-wishes for the Chinese, as well as reaffirms the long-standing relations between the two countries. The Thai people extend their moral support and encouragement to the Chinese side in overcoming this situation and a rapid recovery.