2023’s top stories: Rescuing Thais from war zones a tough early test for new government

[webfact]

 

Rescuing Thai nationals stuck in war zones in two different parts of the world became a huge challenge for the new government.

 

First there was the horrific outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East after the militant Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, and soon after, in neighboring Myanmar, a battle broke out between the military government’s forces and rebel armed groups on October 27.

 

The ruling coalition, in power for less than two months, found itself facing these diplomatic and logistical challenges in less than two months after taking power.

 

The Middle East massacre

 

As of December 15, the war in Israel had killed 39 Thai workers and injured 18 others. Eight Thais are still being held hostage in Gaza, but 23 others have been freed, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.

 

Of the total 25,962 Thai workers who were working in Israel, 9,475 were evacuated from the war zone. By the middle of December, more than 4,500 Thai nationals were waiting to return to Thailand as the armed conflict continued. Some stayed back as they lived in safe zones, while others decided not to return as they had a debt burden and others had to claim salary arrears. They were also worried that they would have no chance to return to their jobs after the end of the war, which could drag on.

The government allocated more than 750 million baht to compensate some 15,000 people for their losses.

 

Freeing the hostages

 

The most difficult task for the government was to secure the release of the Thais taken hostage by Hamas, as Bangkok has no formal relations with the Palestinian group that controlled Gaza. However, using the good offices of Islamic leaders and politicians in Thailand, the government reached out to countries having friendly relations with Hamas in ASEAN, like Malaysia, and in the Middle East, like Iran and Egypt.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-12-21

 

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[ezzra]

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

As of December 15, the war in Israel had killed 39 Thai workers and injured 18 others.

What a creative writing style, by mincing words : "the war in Israel killed 39 Thai workers", avoiding the correct wording that should read: 39 Thai workers 18 others injured and number of other Thai workers have been kidnapped by Hamas, a terrorist group of the Palestinian people...