500 Thai students to be evacuated from Cairo as crisis worsens

[Lite Beer]

EGYPT
500 Thai students to be evacuated from Cairo as crisis worsens
The Sunday Nation

Cairo: -- Thai authorities will bring back 500 students in Egypt who registered for evacuation via a charter flight, as the crisis there had worsened with dozens of more people killed in clashes on Friday and the unrest having reached the highest alert level, Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said yesterday.

Supporters of Egypt's ousted Islamist president are vowing to defy a state of emergency with new protests yesterday, after marches in Cairo on Friday ended in the fiercest street battles the capital has seen in more than two years.

More than 80 people were killed on Friday in what the Muslim Brotherhood called a "Day of Rage" - ignited by anger at security forces for clearing two sit-in camps earlier in the week, leaving about 500 people dead.

As the sun rose yesterday morning over the Egyptian capital, security forces were in a stand-off with supporters of the ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. Hundreds of people barricaded themselves overnight inside the al-Fatah mosque, shoving furniture against the doors to stop police from breaking their way in.

Police were negotiating with those inside, promising them safe passage if they left. Small groups were seen emerging from the mosque by late in the morning, but more are believed to be still holed up inside.

The mosque at Ramses Square, scene of some of the heaviest clashes on Friday, had been used as a field hospital and morgue earlier in the day.

Across the city Friday, police and armed vigilantes at neighborhood checkpoints battled Muslim Brotherhood-led protesters, with the sight of residents firing at one another marking a dark turn in the conflict.

Military helicopters hovered over downtown as residents furious with the Brotherhood protests pelted marchers with rocks and glass bottles. The two sides also fired on one another, sparking running street battles throughout the capital's residential neighbourhoods.

Across the country, at least 72 civilians were killed, along with 10 police officers, security officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The violence capped off a week that saw more than 700 people killed across the country. That toll surpasses the combined death toll from two and a half years of violent protests since the ouster of long-time leader Hosni Mubarak to the July 3 coup that toppled Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood.

Unlike in past clashes between protesters and police, Friday's violence introduced a combustible new mix, with residents and police in civilian clothing battling the marchers.

Few police in uniform were seen as neighbourhood watch groups and pro-Morsi protesters fired at one another for hours on a bridge that crosses over Cairo's Zamalek district, an upscale island neighbourhood where many foreigners and diplomats live.

Friday's violence erupted shortly after midday prayers when tens of thousands of Brotherhood supporters answered the group's call to protest across Egypt in defiance of a military-imposed state of emergency following the bloodshed earlier this week.

Armed civilians manned impromptu checkpoints throughout the capital, banning Brotherhood marches from approaching and frisking anyone wanting to pass through. At one, residents barred ambulances and cars carrying wounded from Ramses Square from reaching a hospital.

Several of the protesters said they were ready to die, writing their names and relatives' phone numbers on one another's chests and undershirts in case they were killed.

-- The Nation 2013-08-18

[Credo]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

[chooka]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

Maybe they are yellow shirts studying for their Phd's in coups.

[NCC1701A]

look to the south...

[simple1]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

The Thai government provides some support for Thai Muslims to attend university in Egypt, including Islamic studies. From the URL below:

The Thai government offers a donation of one million baht to support activities carried out by Thai Muslim students at Al-Azhar University each year. There are currently about 2,000 Thai Muslim students in Egypt, and the majority of them are women.

http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6504&a=2

[canopus1969]

Thai authorities will bring back 500 students in Egypt who registered for evacuation via a charter flight

Looks like the new Thai A380 will come in usefull

[sprq]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

The Thai government provides some support for Thai Muslims to attend university in Egypt, including Islamic studies. From the URL below:

The Thai government offers a donation of one million baht to support activities carried out by Thai Muslim students at Al-Azhar University each year. There are currently about 2,000 Thai Muslim students in Egypt, and the majority of them are women.

http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6504&a=2

Thank you. This is precisely what The Nation should have been telling us, but the poor abilities of its journalists didn't allow it, I suppose.

[Estrada]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

I have met a lot of them and the Thai Ambassador in the past 8 years since I was working and travelling between Thailand and Libya. Most of the students were taking Islamic Studies. This is under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office of the Sheikhul Islam in Lam Lukka. I had to go there to get an Arabic Translation for my EU passport. This office also handles and controls all the food stuffs in Thailand which require HALAL Certification.

As I recall there were around 3% Muslims 30 years ago and now there are around 9.5%, so little wonder they are studying in Egypt.

Edited August 18, 2013 by Estrada

[Lite Beer]

EGYPT
Air Force to dispatch more aircraft to help evacuate Thais in Egypt on Monday

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Air Force is sending two C-130 transport planes along with a medical team and representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to Dubai to help evacuate Thais from Egypt, its spokesman AVM Monthon Satchukorn said Sunday.

The two aircraft were set to leave a Don Mueang Military Airport at noon. However the flights were not ready and had to be delayed. Both flights would take about ten hours to reach Dubai where they are expected to 220 passengers (110 passengers per aircraft). They were initially to reach Bangkok at 2.30pm Monday.

The spokesman said the the Air Force will dispatch another two C-130 planes to pick up more passengers tomorrow. Meanwhile Foreign Affairs Ministry’s deputy spokesman Jakkrit Srivali said around 1,035 Thais in Egypt are now looking to leave the capital of Cairo.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said families of Thais in Egypt can contact his ministry for 24 hours at 0-2-643-5107 for related situation updates.

-- The Nation 2013-08-18

[Tatsujin]

Sweet ... the Govt does care for the "people" after all.

I wonder if anyone else will come home if they are going to Dubai?

[Credo]

How did these students get from Cairo to Dubai?

I wonder why the flights weren't ready. Isn't the military always supposed to be ready?

[simple1]

How did these students get from Cairo to Dubai?

I wonder why the flights weren't ready. Isn't the military always supposed to be ready?

chartered Egypt Air flight from Cairo

[JJttttt1]

In fact, there are many students from Thailand (mostly Muslims) who study in the Cairo university.

For my opinion, to send young minds in the heart of Islamic extremism is a big mistake. It can happen like with Pol Pot (who was send to study in France at Cambodia's public expense and learned nothing but communism in Mao's interpretation).

[Phronesis]

Why would they be going to school in Egypt?

http://iheu.org/content/jihad-and-martyrdom-taught-saudi-arabian-and-egyptian-schools-0

[Sydebolle]

2 x C130 = 220 passengers, totally 500 students in Egypts mattrasses plus the MoFA and medicals; so who stays behind?
Air Force not ready = never heard that one before

[ppmacready]

In fact, there are many students from Thailand (mostly Muslims) who study in the Cairo university.

For my opinion, to send young minds in the heart of Islamic extremism is a big mistake. It can happen like with Pol Pot (who was send to study in France at Cambodia's public expense and learned nothing but communism in Mao's interpretation).

My thoughts too.

I hope there not learning about those vests the extremists use!

[simple1]

For those who are posting tripe regards the University teachings, you may wish to inform yourselves rather than reading anti Islamic sites attacking the Uni or making unfounded assumptions, you probably will not bother, but here goes...

The Thai Muslim students attend the Al Azhar University in Egypt. The Uni is arguably the last bastion of pan-Islamic rationalism. When the Muslim Brotherhood recently came to power they attempted to politise the Uni; now they have been ousted from power, hopefully these attempts will not succeed.

The university has branches in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and many Muslim countries. The Uni Islamic studies have been based upon a platform of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue.

.

As stated in an article in the Israeli press in 02/2013, the Uni is launching a TV station to counter Islamic extremist propaganda.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Egypts-Al-Azhar-to-launch-TV-station-to-counter-extremism-315179

[scotinsiam]

Glad they are getting out - surprised it has taken so long. If my child was in that shithole they would have been home a long time ago. <deleted> toilet.

[folium]

EGYPT

Air Force to dispatch more aircraft to help evacuate Thais in Egypt on Monday

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Air Force is sending two C-130 transport planes along with a medical team and representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to Dubai to help evacuate Thais from Egypt, its spokesman AVM Monthon Satchukorn said Sunday.

The two aircraft were set to leave a Don Mueang Military Airport at noon. However the flights were not ready and had to be delayed. Both flights would take about ten hours to reach Dubai where they are expected to 220 passengers (110 passengers per aircraft). They were initially to reach Bangkok at 2.30pm Monday.

The spokesman said the the Air Force will dispatch another two C-130 planes to pick up more passengers tomorrow. Meanwhile Foreign Affairs Ministrys deputy spokesman Jakkrit Srivali said around 1,035 Thais in Egypt are now looking to leave the capital of Cairo.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said families of Thais in Egypt can contact his ministry for 24 hours at 0-2-643-5107 for related situation updates.

-- The Nation 2013-08-18

10 hour flight with 110 students in the back. That's not fun in a C130. Amazed they didn't use a chartered airliner.

[NeverSure]

EGYPT

Air Force to dispatch more aircraft to help evacuate Thais in Egypt on Monday

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Air Force is sending two C-130 transport planes along with a medical team and representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to Dubai to help evacuate Thais from Egypt, its spokesman AVM Monthon Satchukorn said Sunday.

The two aircraft were set to leave a Don Mueang Military Airport at noon. However the flights were not ready and had to be delayed. Both flights would take about ten hours to reach Dubai where they are expected to 220 passengers (110 passengers per aircraft). They were initially to reach Bangkok at 2.30pm Monday.

The spokesman said the the Air Force will dispatch another two C-130 planes to pick up more passengers tomorrow. Meanwhile Foreign Affairs Ministrys deputy spokesman Jakkrit Srivali said around 1,035 Thais in Egypt are now looking to leave the capital of Cairo.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said families of Thais in Egypt can contact his ministry for 24 hours at 0-2-643-5107 for related situation updates.

-- The Nation 2013-08-18

10 hour flight with 110 students in the back. That's not fun in a C130. Amazed they didn't use a chartered airliner.

Chartered airliners are reserved for the PM.

Seriously, I'm surprised that other countries haven't offered airliners if needed.

I know the US has C 5 Galaxy cargo planes in the area and although not comfortable, they can carry up to 350 troops seated.

Edited August 18, 2013 by NeverSure

[NeverSure]

2 x C130 = 220 passengers, totally 500 students in Egypts mattrasses plus the MoFA and medicals; so who stays behind?

Air Force not ready = never heard that one before

The not ready part may be installation of seats. They are cargo planes, but seats can be put in the cargo bay to carry troops.

The US has a LOT of assets in Qatar right now and could easily pick them all up. I'm surprised and a little disappointed that they aren't.

[JJttttt1]

For those who are posting tripe regards the University teachings, you may wish to inform yourselves rather than reading anti Islamic sites attacking the Uni or making unfounded assumptions, you probably will not bother, but here goes...

The Thai Muslim students attend the Al Azhar University in Egypt. The Uni is arguably the last bastion of pan-Islamic rationalism. When the Muslim Brotherhood recently came to power they attempted to politise the Uni; now they have been ousted from power, hopefully these attempts will not succeed.

The university has branches in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and many Muslim countries. The Uni Islamic studies have been based upon a platform of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue.

.

As stated in an article in the Israeli press in 02/2013, the Uni is launching a TV station to counter Islamic extremist propaganda.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Egypts-Al-Azhar-to-launch-TV-station-to-counter-extremism-315179

Even if this uni is "most tolerant among Egyptian universities" you can't deny a fact these students live in Cairo and communicate with people of extremist ideology.

France universities during Pol Pot's studies was not just a bastion of Mao's propaganda (there was a place for European social-democratic (tolerant) adepts, Soviet communism adepts and many others), but Pol Pot and his nice comrades became maoists.

For young and passionate minds it's just natural to choose the most radical ideology, don't you know?

Edited August 19, 2013 by JJttttt1

[simple1]

For those who are posting tripe regards the University teachings, you may wish to inform yourselves rather than reading anti Islamic sites attacking the Uni or making unfounded assumptions, you probably will not bother, but here goes...

The Thai Muslim students attend the Al Azhar University in Egypt. The Uni is arguably the last bastion of pan-Islamic rationalism. When the Muslim Brotherhood recently came to power they attempted to politise the Uni; now they have been ousted from power, hopefully these attempts will not succeed.

The university has branches in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and many Muslim countries. The Uni Islamic studies have been based upon a platform of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue.

.

As stated in an article in the Israeli press in 02/2013, the Uni is launching a TV station to counter Islamic extremist propaganda.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Egypts-Al-Azhar-to-launch-TV-station-to-counter-extremism-315179

Even if this uni is "most tolerant among Egyptian universities" you can't deny a fact these students live in Cairo and communicate with people of extremist ideology.

France universities during Pol Pot's studies was not just a bastion of Mao's propaganda (there was a place for European social-democratic (tolerant) adepts, Soviet communism adepts and many others), but Pol Pot and his nice comrades became maoists.

For young and passionate minds it's just natural to choose the most radical ideology, don't you know?

Provide proof that the Thai Muslim students communicate with radical Islamists in Eygpt, just an assumption by you. However if so inclined, gaining access to radical Islamic ideology content and preaching can be done anytime, anywhere via the internet.

[JJttttt1]

According to statistic, about 40-45% of the population of Egypt support extremist ideology (there were a celebration on Cairo streets after 9-11 in US), so, according to mathematical probability, Thai students communicate with adepts of extremist ideology every day (if they don't stay 24-7 at there campus dormitories).

[Steely Dan]

According to statistic, about 40-45% of the population of Egypt support extremist ideology (there were a celebration on Cairo streets after 9-11 in US), so, according to mathematical probability, Thai students communicate with adepts of extremist ideology every day (if they don't stay 24-7 at there campus dormitories).

I suppose the more old fashioned ones can also buy books such as Mein Kampf or The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, both of which are best sellers in Egypt.

It would appear the Thai students were also running the risk of food poisoning at the esteemed University

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22014123

Edited August 19, 2013 by Steely Dan

[simple1]

According to statistic, about 40-45% of the population of Egypt support extremist ideology (there were a celebration on Cairo streets after 9-11 in US), so, according to mathematical probability, Thai students communicate with adepts of extremist ideology every day (if they don't stay 24-7 at there campus dormitories).

As you mentioned 9/11 I assume you're American, so would be familiar with the Rand Corporation (?). Although it's a little out of date take a look at the analysis in the paper below that provides a good introduction of the conflict in the deep South and given your comments, chapter 3

http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/occasional_papers/2008/RAND_OP198.pdf

[geriatrickid]

2 x C130 = 220 passengers, totally 500 students in Egypts mattrasses plus the MoFA and medicals; so who stays behind?

Air Force not ready = never heard that one before

The not ready part may be installation of seats. They are cargo planes, but seats can be put in the cargo bay to carry troops.

The US has a LOT of assets in Qatar right now and could easily pick them all up. I'm surprised and a little disappointed that they aren't.

Why is it the USA's responsibility to take care of Thai nationals? The Iranians, Turks, Gulf States all have air assets as well. Why aren't you expecting them to take care of muslims in need?

Thailand is responsible for its own nationals, none of whom are in immediate danger.