The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a meeting on Thursday with relevant agencies at the Department of Consular Affairs to discuss plans for evacuating Thai citizens affected by the escalating violence in Sudan, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kanchana Patarachoke.
Among the organizations participating in the discussion were the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, the Thai Embassy in Cairo (which also has jurisdiction over Sudan), the Royal Thai Army, and the Royal Thai Air Force.
Sudan, Africa’s third-largest country, is witnessing heavy gunfire and explosions in its capital Khartoum, as well as other locations, resulting from intense fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to news agencies on Thursday, citing Sudan’s health ministry, the conflict has claimed at least 270 lives and injured over 2,600 people. Many of the casualties are civilians caught in the crossfire.
The violence has disrupted basic services, with electricity and water supplies being cut in several regions. Residents have reported that the prices of petrol and fresh food have risen significantly due to some sellers taking advantage of the situation.
United Nations spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, expressed concern, stating, “People in Sudan are running out of food, fuel, and other vital supplies. Many urgently need medical care.”
To support the affected Thai nationals in Sudan, the Thai Foreign Ministry has approved a budget for the Thai Embassy in Cairo, which is responsible for providing emergency relief supplies, according to Kanchana, who also serves as the director-general of the ministry’s Department of Information.
The Thai ambassador in charge is maintaining close communication with the leaders of Thai expatriates and students residing in Sudan. Kanchana revealed that approximately 300 Thai citizens are currently in the country, with around 200 Muslim students primarily enrolled at the International University of Africa in Khartoum. The remainder of the Thai population works or has family members in Sudan.
Family members of Thai citizens in Sudan can inquire about ongoing developments by calling 096-352-0513, 096-165-7120, or 096-352-9015. For assistance, the Thai Embassy in Cairo can be reached by phone at +201 0194-01243 or via email at [email protected].
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