Thailand’s Foreign Ministry is working with other government agencies to plan the evacuation of Thai citizens stuck in Sudan as conflict rages in the country. Nation Thailand reports that the Sudanese capital Khartoum and other parts of the country have been rocked by explosions and gunfire since April 15.
At least 400 civilians have been killed and over 3,500 injured as the Sudan Armed Forces wage a fierce battle with the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group to gain control of the country.
Kanchana Patarachoke, a spokesperson for Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, says officials are working on an evacuation plan for citizens caught in the conflict. She adds that General Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council, has presided over a meeting between the ministry and other related agencies.
“The Foreign Ministry has been instructed to oversee the safe return of all Thai nationals. Relevant agencies are considering different sites to lift Thai nationals from, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.”
According to Kanchana, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre is overseeing transportation to get evacuated Thai nationals back to their hometowns.
Nation Thailand reports that Thai officials are also working with other countries on potential joint evacuation plans. The Foreign Ministry says there are currently around 300 Thai citizens in Sudan. Of those, 200 are understood to be students, with most attending the International University of Africa in Khartoum.
Concerned family members of Thais stuck in Sudan can call (096) 352 0513, (096) 165 7120 and (096) 352 9015 for more information. The Thai Embassy in Cairo can also be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by calling (+201) 0194 01243.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
