First group of 41 Thai from Libya starts returning home tomorrow
The first group of 41 Thais evacuated from Libya will start returning to Bangkok tomorrow, said Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, supreme commander and deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
They were evacuated from Libya to Tunis today and would return to Thailand tomorrow, he said, adding meanwhile, 70 Thais in Benghazi in process, awaiting to exit Libya.
"Today we are ready to bring Thais back cautiously. They will be transported by day, taking about six hours to reach Tunis. Thirty Thai workers and 11 students sought to return and they will reach Thailand August 1.
Seventy others in Benghazi are prepared for evacuation but the date has not been set because their departure is being arranged," Gen Tanasak said.
If Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot secure a commercial flight for the evacuees, the Air Force could immediately deploy a C-130 transport aircraft for the mission, Gen Tanasak said.
Thai authorities are facilitating the evacuation in Tunis and Djerba, Tunisia, he added.
