Second flight leaves Bangkok to evacuate Thais trapped in Egypt

BANGKOK, Feb 3 — A second special Thai Airways International (THAI) flight has left Thailand to evacuate more Thais stranded in Egypt who requested help to bring them home as violent protests against President Hosni Mubarak intensify.

THAI special flight TG8830 left Suvarnabhumi airport at 12.30pm with Thai officials from the Foreign Ministry heading by Krerkpan Roekchamnong, Middle East Division director, Department of South Asia, Middle East and African Affairs together with medical doctors from the Directorate of Medical Services of the Royal Thai Air Force.

The flight is scheduled to leave Cairo International Airport with the Thai nationals at 5.30pm and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday at 8.50am.

Grp Capt Niwat Intarawichian, a physician who leads the medical team, said the report initially did not mention that any Thais were injured in the violent clashes but only normal minor illnesses and stress.

The team prepares basic medical kits and medicine to help Thais and is ready to help foreigners who may be wounded from the incidents.

The dried and canned foodstuffs including canned fish, instant noodle, rice and water purifiers have been prepared to distribute to Thai students who are still in Egypt to use in case of emergency.

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said enroute to Cambodia to meet officials there that the government would consider sending a third flight to evacuate Thai citizens in Egypt who want to return home.

Mr Kasit said he has learned that Malaysia and Singapore are sending ships to evacuate their nationals in Egypt. Thailand will ask the two fellow ASEAN member countries to provide transport for some Thai nationals. He said such a cooperation is possible under an ASEAN agreement.

Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak fired on protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square killing four people and wounding 13.

President Mubarak said Tuesday he would step down in September, angering protesters who want him to quit immediately.