BANGKOK: More than 200 Thais, stranded in the town of Laukkaing in Myanmar, are awaiting repatriation following intensified fighting between the Myanmar junta and ethnic armed groups.
The Thai Foreign Ministry in a statement said its Permanent Secretary Sarun Charoensuwan held a meeting with the relevant agencies to follow up on the situation and coordinate efforts to assist the Thai nationals in Laukkaing.
“Despite the challenges and limitations to assist operations in an area with active and ongoing fighting, accelerated coordination with all relevant parties is being undertaken to prepare for the evacuation of Thai nationals out to safe areas as soon as possible when situation permits,” it said.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon has been making preparations for their safe return.
The Foreign Ministry said the situation (of fighting) in the area surrounding Laukkaing has intensified and a bomb exploded yesterday (November 10) near the area where Thai nationals are currently staying.
“The Department of Consular Affairs has contacted this group. All are safe,” it said. - Bernama