Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has advised Thais in Israel to decide now if they want to evacuate the Middle Eastern country, warning of global concerns around the situation there and considering the Thai death toll has now reached 30.
"I would like those who are undecided to quickly make a decision because the risk rests with you. If you want to return, it is the duty of the government to do its best to evacuate people as quickly and safely as possible," Mr Srettha said in Beijing on Wednesday.
He said he was saddened by the latest report of another Thai death in Israel, bringing the toll to 30. The number of injured remained unchanged at 16, and abductions at 17.
Mr Srettha said he had met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said he was shocked by the loss of Thai lives in Israel.
"Thailand is not a conflicting party but the loss is the second highest after the US," the prime minister said. He was in Beijing to attend China's Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Mr Srettha said he met other national leaders in Beijing and all were concerned about the situation in Israel. He said the Thai government was able to evacuate 600 Thai workers from Israel daily, but in the present circumstances, it was difficult to gather that many together at one time.
On Wednesday morning, an air force Airbus departed Bangkok on its second flight to pick up Thais in Israel. The 340-500 is scheduled to return on Thursday with 145 evacuees.
ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul, the air force commander, said the air force will continue the operation until the end of this month.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 162 Thai workers arrived in Thailand on the sixth flight of Israel Airlines on flight LY085 at 7.05pm on Tuesday. Another 266 Thai workers returned to the country with Thai Airways on flight TG8951 at 4.45am Wednesday, said a source.
The Labour Ministry said 8,160 Thai workers in Israel had registered their intention to return home, but 111 others said they wanted to remain there. Over a thousand Thai workers have been brought home since Oct 7.
