Thais in Qatar not affected by diplomatic row in Gulf crisis

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) – Thai nationals in Qatar have not impacted by shortage of food supplies as of now after the decision by Arab countries to cut ties with Qatar, said Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. On Monday, Saudi Arabia, other Arab countries severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and cut off land, sea and air space to Qatar, accused of supporting extremism. However, the Thai foreign minister said Thailand needed to negotiate with Qatar’s neighbouring countries to allow Thai goods transportation to Qatar. He said he has not yet contacted by the Commerce Ministry on requests from auto part exporters to Thai authorities to facilitate them exporting their auto products to Qatar. He cannot make an assessment when the situation will end but he hopes it will ease soon. A similar situation occurred in 2014 and it took nine months to be settled, he added. So far, there has not been shortage of food supplies there, however, Thai embassy has a contingency plan for the food deficit. There is no need to set up an aid center at the moment, Don said. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Bussadee Santipitak said there are about 3,700 Thai people in Qatar, including 2,200 labourers and 1,100 airlines staff. The rest are masseurs, spa therapists, restaurant workers and students. They have not been a problem on food supplies but their travels have affected by the border closure. It will take time to be able to evaluate the fallouts from the gulf crisis. The looming impact from the shutdown of airspace will be seen on airlines after eight countries cut ties with Qatar. She said Thailand maintains good relations with the Middle East countries, so it is not likely to impact Thailand and the Thai embassy in Doha will take care of Thai nationals there. (TNA)