Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports no Thai citizens harmed in the recent New Zealand earthquake

[webfact]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports no Thai citizens harmed in the recent New Zealand earthquake

 

BANGKOK, 14 November 2016 (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that no Thai nationals were harmed by the recent earthquake near New Zealand. 

The ministry’s website reported that on November 13th, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 95 kilometers northeast of New Zealand’s Christchurch, and tremors were felt as far as Wellington. Approximately 8,100 Thais reside in New Zealand. 

The Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington has reported that so far, no Thais have been harmed. The embassy will continue to follow the latest updates from local officials and has advised Thai nationals in New Zealand to follow the news and adhere to any safety announcements. 

Anyone requiring assistance can reach the embassy at 64-021-896-292 or the Department of Consular Affairs in Thailand at 02-572-8442.

 

-- nnt 2016-11-14

[bangon04]

" Approximately 8,100 Thais reside in New Zealand. "

 

Officially?

[gomangosteen]

^ NZ Census 2013: Thai living in New Zealand on 5 March 2013: 6,537 people

 

The 8100 seems quite reasonable. What's the problem? Amount would vary as many are at university; unsure for 2013, but in 2017 5 March s the actual first day of the Uni academic year, with an influx of overseas students. Six Thai medical students died in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, all in the CTV building collapse.

[thedemon]

7 hours ago, bangon04 said:

" Approximately 8,100 Thais reside in New Zealand. "

 

Officially?

 

That would be Thai's with residence permission issued on their Thai passport.

 

There would be several thousand more but they now have NZ citizenship since you only need to live there for 5 years and speak basic English to qualify. No need to pay any tax and the process from application to passport takes about 4 months.

 

Apparently it isn't reciprocal.

[thedemon]

Since the total number of fatalities of New Zealanders is two and non-New Zealanders is zero I guess the chance is pretty low.

[Brer Fox]

That's a load off!

What sensible Thai person would ever want to be located in that depressingly miserable city.

Full of smog from wood heaters.

[gomangosteen]

Thailand is New Zealand's sixth largest source of international students, with about 3000 students arriving here every year.

The largest proportion of overseas students last year came from Asia, with China (30,200) as the largest source, followed by India (20,200). Most Thai students come to study for primary, high school and English language courses.

August 2016