2,000 Thai workers evacuate Libya; plans in readiness for more
BANGKOK, Feb 24 - Some 2,000 Thai workers have crossed the Libyan border to its neighbouring countries, Tunisia and Egypt, and across the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey, distant from the unrest engulfing the North African country, Labour Ministry spokesperson Sutham Natheethong said on Thursday.
The ministry spokesperson said the first batch of 600 workers left the chaos overland to Tunisia bordering Libya and about 530 workers evacuated to Egypt, while some 500 others boarded a ship to Istanbul in Turkey on Wednesday.
The remaining 20,000 Thai workers opted to stay in Libya as they hope to continue working once the situation eases.
Four ships however are on standby to evacuate Thai workers to Malta.
Each ship can carry 1,400 passengers, the spokesman said.
The Thai embassy in Tripoli has been coordinating with Libyas Foreign Ministry to use ports in Benghazi and the capital of Tripoli to carry workers to Malta, Rome (Italy) and Athens (Greece). Thai embassies in Rome and Athens are working with agencies in Malta, Italy and Greece to seek permission for the ship to dock at ports in the three countries and exempt the otherwise required visa stamp for the Thai workers.
The ministry asked for cooperation from the Thai Shipowners Association to support evacuation by Thai freighters in the area. The association is ready to cooperate.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has asked the Royal Thai Air Force and Thai Airways International (THAI) to provide special flights to carry Thai workers from Malta, Rome and Athens back home.
The evacuation will start immediately once heads of workers request help from the Thai embassy in Tripoli or when the situation at the workers living quarters threatens their safety.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday stated the government has prepared the mass evacuation by ship. However, the safety of Thai citizens is his prime concern given that the 100 km route to the port was too dangerous to travel with loots ! reported ly rampant.
The timing of the evacuation therefore must be thoughtfully considered before carrying it out, the Thai premier said. (MCOT online news)
The ministry spokesperson said the first batch of 600 workers left the chaos overland to Tunisia bordering Libya and about 530 workers evacuated to Egypt, while some 500 others boarded a ship to Istanbul in Turkey on Wednesday.
The remaining 20,000 Thai workers opted to stay in Libya as they hope to continue working once the situation eases.
Four ships however are on standby to evacuate Thai workers to Malta.
Each ship can carry 1,400 passengers, the spokesman said.
The Thai embassy in Tripoli has been coordinating with Libyas Foreign Ministry to use ports in Benghazi and the capital of Tripoli to carry workers to Malta, Rome (Italy) and Athens (Greece). Thai embassies in Rome and Athens are working with agencies in Malta, Italy and Greece to seek permission for the ship to dock at ports in the three countries and exempt the otherwise required visa stamp for the Thai workers.
The ministry asked for cooperation from the Thai Shipowners Association to support evacuation by Thai freighters in the area. The association is ready to cooperate.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has asked the Royal Thai Air Force and Thai Airways International (THAI) to provide special flights to carry Thai workers from Malta, Rome and Athens back home.
The evacuation will start immediately once heads of workers request help from the Thai embassy in Tripoli or when the situation at the workers living quarters threatens their safety.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday stated the government has prepared the mass evacuation by ship. However, the safety of Thai citizens is his prime concern given that the 100 km route to the port was too dangerous to travel with loots ! reported ly rampant.
The timing of the evacuation therefore must be thoughtfully considered before carrying it out, the Thai premier said. (MCOT online news)
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