More Thais leave Libya for home next week

BANGKOK, August 2 (TNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Philippines and Thailand have agreed to cooperate in evacuating their citizens from violence-plagued Libya, while more Thai workers are expected to return home next week. Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkeow, who is also Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, told journalists on Saturday that he has discussed with the Philippine Ambassador to Thailand on joint evacuation plans of Thai and Philippine workers from Libya. Sihasak revealed that contacts have already been made with recruitment agencies, as three groups of Thai workers are scheduled to return home next week. According to the acting foreign minister, a total of 83 Thai workers are expected to leave Libya for Tunis, Tunisia's capital, on August 3, while the second group, comprising 10 Thai workers, are scheduled to leave for Cairo, Egypt's capital, on August 4 and another group of 18 Thai people are also scheduled to leave for Cairo on August 8. The acting Thai foreign minister acknowledged that requests have been made with the deputy foreign minister of Tunisia for an exemption of visa for the Thais who are entering Tunisia. Meanwhile, eight Thai students arrived at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday afternoon, after being evacuated from Libya. As Thais have been gradually evacuated from Libya on safety concerns, Thai Army and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered agencies concerned, including the Ministry of Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance to Thais wishing to return home, stating that he has closely monitored the situation in Libya. (TNA)