🔙✈️ Thai nationals who were stranded in Laukkaing, Myanmar, have safely returned home after being evacuated to Kunming, China and flying back to Bangkok. 🙌🌍 #SafeReturn #ThaiEvacuees #HomeSweetHome #Grateful
ThailandCares #SupportFromGovernment #JusticeForAll #Homecoming #InternationalAssistance #StrandedNoMore #TogetherWeAreStronger
The early hours of a Monday morning were met with relief as a group of Thai nationals, previously stranded in the midst of a troubling situation abroad, safely arrived back on home soil. This event marked the culmination of a coordinated evacuation effort following distressing circumstances in Laukkaing, a border town in Myanmar’s Shan State.
Evacuation and Return Journey
The evacuation process saw 266 Thais transported from Laukkaing to Kunming, China, before they were able to make the final leg of their journey back to Thailand. The returnees boarded two commercial flights operated by Thai Air Asia and Thai Lion Air, which touched down at Don Mueang Airport in the Thai capital.
Flight FD9702 arrived first at around 3 a.m., with Flight SL7007 following closely behind at approximately 4 a.m. In total, these flights carried 273 passengers: the 266 Thai nationals, alongside six Filipino citizens and one Singaporean.
Welcoming and Processing
Upon arrival, the group was greeted by a cadre of officials, including immigration police and consular affairs representatives. A convoy escorting the returnees ensured their secure transfer from Don Mueang Airport to a designated location for further processing.
Screening and Support
The evacuees were taken to the learning centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Training and Development Institute, located in the Nong Chok district. Here, a comprehensive screening process ensued, facilitated by various governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Public Health, as well as police units specialized in anti-trafficking efforts.
The meticulous screening, part of the National Referral Mechanism process, aimed to identify any individuals who may have been ensnared in human trafficking or involved in criminal activities.
Assistance for Foreign Nationals
The non-Thai passengers, including the Filipinos and the Singaporean, were entrusted to the care of their respective embassies, ensuring that they received appropriate consular assistance.
Contact and Verification
In an effort to provide transparency and reassurance, relatives looking to verify the well-being of the returnees could reach out to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division or the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security through designated hotlines.
Government’s Commitment to Its Citizens
The Thai government’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Kanchana Patarachoke, reaffirmed the commitment to assist Thai nationals facing difficulties overseas. Whether implicated in scams or found in illegal circumstances, the government’s duty to its citizens remains resolute.
The screening of the 266 individuals for potential ties to human trafficking or criminal involvement is a process that demands time and precision, as indicated by Ms. Kanchana. This necessary step ensures the provision of targeted support and the upholding of justice for all involved.
Moving Forward
As the evacuated Thais navigate the aftermath of their ordeal, the focus on a thorough and humane screening process highlights the government’s dedication to addressing the complexities of international incidents. The return of these individuals to Thailand brings closure to a challenging episode, yet underscores the ongoing vigilance required in safeguarding citizens at home and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the Thai nationals evacuated from Laukkaing, and what was their journey back to Thailand?
The Thai nationals were initially transported from Laukkaing to Kunming, China. From there, they boarded two commercial flights operated by Thai Air Asia and Thai Lion Air, culminating in their safe return to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. Flight FD9702 arrived first around 3 a.m., followed by Flight SL7007 at approximately 4 a.m., carrying a total of 273 passengers, which included the 266 Thai citizens, six Filipino citizens, and one Singaporean.
What measures were taken upon the evacuees’ arrival in Thailand?
Upon their arrival, the evacuees were greeted by officials and transferred to the learning centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Training and Development Institute in the Nong Chok district for comprehensive screening. This process, facilitated by various governmental bodies, aimed to identify any individuals who may have been affected by human trafficking or involved in criminal activities. It was part of the National Referral Mechanism to provide targeted support and uphold justice.
How can relatives get information about the well-being of the returnees?
Relatives seeking to verify the well-being of the returnees can contact the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division or the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security through designated hotlines. The government has provided these channels to offer transparency and reassurance to the families of the evacuated individuals.
