Summary of Press Briefing

Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 15.00 hrs.

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, DG of Info. Dept. and MFA Spokesperson, held a press conference to provide updates on the meeting of the Rapid Response Center (RRC), chaired by Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, this afternoon to discuss the unfolding situation in the Middle East and preparations to evacuate Thai nationals. Ms. Pannabha Chandraramya, Ambassador (Amb) of Thailand to Israel, among others, joined the RRC meeting via teleconference to provide updates on the situation on the ground and progress in assisting Thai nationals.

2. Assistance to Thai nationals

2.1 During the RRC meeting this afternoon, Amb provided updates on the evacuation of Thai nationals from danger zones with priority given to Thais in the most dangerous zones. The Israeli authorities have helped to evacuate these Thai nationals to safer areas.

2.2 Number of deaths: 18 (according to unofficial reports from employers, pending official confirmation from Israeli authorities)

2.3 Number of injuries: 9

2.4 Number of Thai nationals taken hostage: 11

2.5 Number of Thai nationals who have filled in RTE’s form on repatriation: 3,914 Thai nationals have filled in the form, of which 3,862 Thai nationals wish to be repatriated and 52 wish to remain in Israel for the time being.

2.6 RTE is contacting all Thai nationals who have registered and coordinating transport for their safe transfer to the airport.

2.7 In response to an overwhelming number of inquiries, RTE has opened two more hotlines in addition to the existing hotline to assist Thai nationals in Israel.

3. Evacuation of Thai Nationals

3.1 RTE has arranged for the initial repatriation of 15 Thai nationals this Wed (11 Oct.) via El Al. This includes injured Thai nationals who are fit for travel and Thai nationals who have been transferred to safe zones. RTE will facilitate their travel documents at the airport and they are scheduled to arrive on Thursday (12 Oct.) at 10.35 hrs. at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

3.2 During the RRC meeting this afternoon, various Thai agencies stated their readiness to support repatriated Thai nationals upon their arrival in Thailand, as follows. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is prepared to receive repatriated Thai nationals at the airport to provide any mental or physical assistance they may require, as well as health services via teleconference for their family members. The Ministry of Labour (MOL) and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) will also provide assistance and coordinate the return of repatriated Thai nationals to their home town.

3.3 A Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Airbus 340 will be deployed to evacuate more than 100 Thai nationals from Israel on Sunday (15 Oct.). RTE is closely coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Israel on flight clearance and RTAF stands ready to deploy additional aircrafts, once more Thai people have been transferred to safe zones for evacuation.

* * * * *

News Division

Department of Information