Evacuation prepared for Thai workers in Israel, Libya and Kenya

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BANGKOK, July 15 — Thai authorities were arranging for the evacuation of Thai citizens from Israel, Libya and Kenya, where rising unrest has caused insecurity and the loss of livelihood.

Employment Department Director-General Sumet Mahosot said that he would discuss the matter with the Foreign Ministry Consular Affairs Department on Friday.

The authorities would decide if evacuations should be conducted immediately.

According to Mr Sumet, three Thai workers have sought to return from Israel and they are expected to reach Thailand by the end of the month.

Mr Sumet said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take the lead in any evacuation, based on such a mission which was conducted for Thai workers in Libya in 2010.

The Department of Employment would spend funds for Thai workers abroad on the evacuation and would seek reimbursement the National Council for Peace and Order later, he said.

Mr Sumet said that the evacuation of Thai workers from Israel would be carried out after the announcement of a state of emergency there.

There are about 26,000 Thai workers in Israel, mainly working in the agricultural sector.

There are 1,500 Thai workers in Libya, 14 in Iraq and 40 in Kenya, all working in the petroleum and construction sectors.