As the first light of dawn sets over the airbase positioned near Don Mueang International Airport, the ambiance resonates with a sense of intent, and purpose. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Phanphakdee Phatthanakul embodies this atmosphere with his commanding presence. Standing at the helm on October 14, he conducts a detailed mission briefing, ensuring that no stone remains unturned.
Under his watchful gaze, the A340-500 aircraft awaits its departure at the stroke of midnight – precisely 12.05am on Sunday. On board: a skilled and determined team destined for a 12-and-a-half-hour flight to Israel, with Ben Gurion International Airport their focal point.
The plan to return to Thailand from Israel is already pencilled in for October 16, a departing time of 4.40am cooly noted. Phanphakdee Phatthanakul’s confidence in his team is unwavering, as he announces the readiness of the elite pilots for this crucial mission.
For better reinforcement, a trained reserve of pilots from Thai Airways has been put on standby, ready to step in whenever summoned. This arrangement underscores the adaptability of the mission blueprint, enabling the travel interval to be curtailed to eight hours if necessitated.
While operational guidance rests primarily under the watch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ACM Phatthanakul sheds light on the tireless efforts exerted in convening frequent meetings. These caucuses serve as the pillar for monitoring progress and implementing any required modifications on the fly.
Rendering flight safety as an uncompromised priority, ACM Phatthanakudu elaborates on the early assessments that pledge security. The contingencies put forth for any probable hiccups, such as airspace shutdowns, illustrate the readiness to take alternative flight routes if required, with reserve airfields always at the ready.
The grand mission aims to facilitate a seamless relay between military and commercial flights for the evacuated Thai citizens. Consequently, this will substantially mitigate the untold hardship experienced by Thai workers in Israel.
The overwhelming concern for these workers has escalated with the grim reports pouring in. A total of 16 confirmed deaths, eight potential casualties, and 16 injured amongst Thai workers painting the tragic tale.
Out of the 7,142 Thai workers stationed in Israel, a revealing statistic is that 7,058 have felt the urgent pull to return to their homes. In contrast, the remaining 84 have chosen to continue their stay. As of the present, a total of 97 individuals have successfully made their journey back to Thailand, with many more hoping that they are next.
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