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☆ Canadian Man Opens Thai Airways Plane Door Before Takeoff in Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Canadian tourist opened the door of a Thai Airways flight that was preparing to take off from Chiang Mai airport bound for the capital Bangkok, local broadcaster ThaiPBS and officials said this week. "The whole plane was in chaos," wrote Facebook user Ananya Tiangtae, who was on the flight, adding that officials escorted the passenger off the plane. A passenger opened the emergency door, causing the inflatable slide to activate and the aircraft was unable to take off, Chiang Mai Airport director Ronnakorn Chalermsaenyakorn said late on Thursday. After the inspection, the aircraft was cleared to depart with all passengers and crew safe, Thai Airways said. The passenger was later seen in custody at a local police station on local TV station ThaiPBS, which identified the male tourist as Canadian.

Persons: Tiangtae, Ananya, Ronnakorn Chalermsaenyakorn, Ronnakorn, it's, Jirawat Yarnkiatpakdee, ThaiPBS, Chayut Setboonsarng, Tom Hogue Organizations: Canadian, Thai Airways, Chiang Mai Airport Locations: BANGKOK, Chiang Mai, Bangkok

☆ New Blow for Thai Election Winners as Lawyer Launches Dissolution Bid
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The constitution states the king is enshrined to be held in a position of "revered worship". The election commission will weigh the merits of the complaint and whether to send it to the Constitutional Court to decide on party dissolution, which could see its executives banned from politics for a decade. Its predecessor, Future Forward, had championed similar policies and was disbanded in 2020 for violating campaign funding rules. "The election commission must take into account (yesterday's) case ... the commission must carry out its duties and cannot remain idle," Ruangkrai told reporters. Move Forward has rejected accusations that it sought to undermine the monarchy and says it wanted to prevent the wrongful use of the royal insults law.

Persons: Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, Ruangkrai, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thailand's, Party, Constitutional Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand

☆ Thai Bus Accident Kills 14, More Than 20 Injured
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dec. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A bus lost control and crashed into a tree in Thailand, killing 14 passengers and injuring more than 20, the state-owned Transport Company said in a statement on Tuesday. The accident occurred in country's western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan at half past midnight. The bus's front was split in half after the crash, according to state broadcaster ThaiPBS. Rescuers were seen pulling passengers out from the wreckage. "All those injured are being treated at hospital," the statement said, adding that an investigation on the causes of the accident was being carried out.

Persons: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Kim Coghill Organizations: Transport Company, ThaiPBS Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, country's, Prachuap

☆ Thailand, Hong Kong launch cross-border QR payments
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/2] A woman wears a protective face mask as she looks at her mobile phone amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Bangkok, Thailand September 30, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Thailand's central bank and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on Monday launched a link for cross-border QR payments, they said in a joint statement. "Through this linkage, travellers from Thailand and Hong Kong will be able to make retail payments by using their mobile payment applications," they said. Reporting by Chayut SetboonsarngOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Soe Zeya, Chayut Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Monday, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Hong Kong

[1/2] Natthawaree Mulkan, embraces her family as she arrived back home after losing touch for nearly two months when she was taken hostage by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khon Kaen, Thailand November 30, 2023 . Let’s go back home," she told her mother at an airport in Khon Kaen province in northeastern Thailand. A relative tied holy threads on Natthawaree's wrist and on the wrist of her partner Boonthoom Phankhongwas in a Thai homecoming ritual. The two were among the first 10 Thai hostages freed by Hamas during the first truce of the war in Gaza. Natthawaree, 35 and a mother of two, was seen hugging her daughter before the family got into a van to go home.

Persons: Napat, Natthawaree Mulkan, we're, ” Natthawaree, clasped, Let’s, Boonthoom Phankhongwas, Thais, Chayut Setboonsarng, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Hamas, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Palestinian, Khon Kaen, Thailand, Gaza

☆ Thailand welcomes release of two more Thai hostages held by Hamas
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Happy to personally welcome 2 additional Thai hostages just released and arrived at the hospital in Tel Aviv," Parnpree, who is also deputy prime minister, posted on social media platform X. Nineteen Thai hostages have so far been released, while the foreign ministry says 13 more remain in captivity. A Thai Muslim group that spoke directly with Hamas said on Monday its efforts were key to ensuring Thai hostages were among the first to be released. A Thai foreign ministry spokesperson said multiple actors were consulted. The Thai citizens released are slated to return home this week as Parnpree visits Israel.

Persons: Parnpree Bahiddha, Eli Cohen, Uriel Bosso, Nukara, Parnpree, Orathai Sriring, Panarat, Tom Hogue, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai Foreign, Israeli, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Gaza, BANGKOK, Israel, Tel Aviv

☆ Thais give digital spin to ancient 'floating basket' festival
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Over the centuries, people have sent 'krathongs' - small, baskets made from plants and loaded with flowers, candles and bamboo - down waterways to make wishes and pay their respects to water spirits. The beautiful 'floating basket' or Loy Krathong festival lights up Bangkok's canals and rivers at night - but often leaves organisers scrabbling to clear canals clogged up with hundreds of thousands of soggy vessels the next morning. This will help reduce waste," said 11-year-old Jirayada Surapant, showing off her design by a Bangkok canal on Monday evening. Across the capital, monks set out in row boats to scoop up the physical krathongs and recycle them into animal feed. Reporting by Napat Wesshasartar, Artorn Pookasook and Thomas Suen; Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng, Edited by Andrew HeavensOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Loy Krathong, Loy, scrabbling, Mathee Vatchara Prachatorn, Napat Wesshasartar, Artorn Pookasook, Thomas Suen, Chayut Setboonsarng, Andrew Heavens Organizations: Thomson Locations: Samut Songkram, Thailand, BANGKOK, Bangkok

☆ Thailand to allow clubs, bars to stay open longer to boost tourism
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Entertainment venues, clubs and karaoke bars in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattya, Chiang Mai and Samui, popular tourist destinations, will be allowed stay open two extra hours until 4 AM, Traisulee Traisaranakul said. The decision to allow entertainment venues to stay open longer is the latest step taken by the government to boost foreign arrivals after the government in September waived visa requirements for Chinese visitors, a key source of tourists for Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy. Thailand has so far welcomed 24.5 million foreign tourists this year and is forecasting 28 million arrivals for the full year. Before the pandemic, Thailand booked a record 39.9 million arrivals, with 11 million from China. This year, the government expects just 3.5 million arrivals from China.

Persons: Chalinee, Chiang Mai, Traisulee Traisaranakul, Srettha Thavisin, Paarat Thepgumpanat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Entertainment, Thailand's, Southeast Asia's, Thomson Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Phuket, Pattya, Southeast, China

☆ Three Thai hostages released from Gaza in good health, Thai PM says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Thai citizens who were released from the Gaza Strip after being taken hostage by gunmen from Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas during the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, stand together during a visit by Ambassador of Thailand in Israel Pannabha Chandraramya to Shamir Medical Center... Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreBANGKOK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The latest three Thai hostages released from Gaza after being held by Hamas militants were in good health, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on the social media platform X on Monday. "I'm happy," Srettha said, adding the three were healthy and not in need of urgent medical attention. So far, 17 Thai hostages have been released after being kidnapped during Hamas raids into Israel in early October and would be brought back to Thailand as soon as possible, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "For the remaining 15 Thai hostages, the Royal Thai Government continues to exert all efforts towards their safe release at the earliest opportunity," the statement said. Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Tom Hogue and Lincoln FeastOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Israel Pannabha Chandraramya, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Tom Hogue Organizations: Hamas, Shamir, Center, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Government, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Thailand, BANGKOK, Lincoln

☆ 'I'm not dead,' Thai hostage says after 'miracle' release in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"He told me not to cry, to tell mother I’m coming back," Roongarun Wichagern told Reuters of her younger brother after an emotional reunion on a video call. "He said, ‘I’m not dead, I’m not dead,’" Roongarun said, calling his survival a "miracle". The freed Thai hostages will return home after 48 hours in hospital, Thailand’s foreign ministry said in a statement. He called for the release of the remaining "innocent Thai hostages as soon as possible". Photographs from the Thai foreign ministry showed them meeting doctors at a medical centre in Israel.

Persons: I’m, Roongarun Wichagern, ‘ I’m, Roongarun, Srettha Thavisin, Vetoon, Thais, Thongkoon Onkaew, Natthaporn, Chayut Setboonsarng, Napat Wesshasartar, Poppy McPherson, William Mallard Organizations: Hamas, Foreign Affairs, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Reuters, Shamir Medical, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai, International Committee, Thomson Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Tel Aviv, Foreign Affairs Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai, Gaza, Thailand, Egypt, Qatar, Iran, Malaysia

☆ Iran says it facilitated Friday's release of 10 Thai hostages
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Iran facilitated Friday's release of 10 Thai hostages from Gaza, providing a list of names to Palestinian group Hamas after a request to do so by Thailand's Foreign Ministry and parliamentary speaker, Iran's embassy in Thailand said on social media on Saturday. A Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters that: "we have provided lists since the beginning to everyone," including Qatar, Egypt, Israel and Iran. A group of Thai Muslim politicians had travelled to Tehran and met senior Hamas officials in October. Thailand's Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara also held talks with senior officials in Cairo and Doha over the release of Thai hostages. About 30,000 Thai nationals work in Israel, forming one of its largest groups of migrant workers, many in agriculture.

Persons: Parnpree Bahiddha, nukara, Thailand's, Chayut Setboonsarng, Poppy Mcpherson, Mark Potter Organizations: Hamas, Thailand's Foreign Ministry, Reuters, Thailand's, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Iran, Gaza, Thailand, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, Thai, Tehran, Cairo, Doha

☆ Thai Mother Danced With Joy After Daughter Released From Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Napat WesshasartarBAN KHOK SAMRAN (Reuters) - When Natthawaree Mulkan's mother saw that her daughter was among the Thai hostages released by Hamas, she was so happy she danced with her 8-year-old granddaughter outside their home in northeastern Thailand. I came out and danced," Bunyarin Srijan, 56, said pointing to her patio. Natthawaree, a mother of two, was one of 10 Thai hostages freed by Hamas during the first truce of a seven-week-old war that started with the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel. Bunyarin said her daughter had planned to marry her boyfriend, Boonthom Phankhong, who was also abducted by Hamas and released on Friday. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday that the government was still trying to secure the release of 20 Thai citizens who remain captive.

Persons: Napat, KHOK SAMRAN, Natthawaree, Bunyarin, clasped, Boonthom Phankhong, Srettha Thavisin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Christina Fincher Organizations: Hamas, Thai Locations: Thailand, Israel

☆ 'That's My Son!' Thai Family Overjoyed as Second Group of Hostages Freed
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut SetboonsarngBANGKOK (Reuters) -The mother of a Thai hostage freed from Gaza late on Saturday said she was indescribably happy her son was among the four most recent Thai nationals confirmed as freed from Hamas captivity. A first group of 10 Thai hostages were on freed Friday along with 13 Israelis, in return 39 Palestinians from Israel's prisons. More than 30,000 Thai nationals work in Israel, mostly as farm workers, making up one of the largest migrant worker groups in the country. Thailand's foreign ministry estimated 18 Thai nationals remained captive after Israel told it the number abducted had increased by two from the previous tally. "The Thai government will continue to make every effort towards the safe release and return of those remaining Thai nationals," the ministry said in a statement.

Persons: Napat Wesshasartar, Thongkoon Onkaew, Srettha Thavisin, Thongkoon, Poppy McPherson, William Mallard Organizations: Reuters, Sunday, Thai Locations: Chayut, BANGKOK, Gaza, Thai, Palestinian, Israel

☆ Thai economy in 'crisis' and needs major stimulus - PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Speaking at a forum, Srettha said the economy was not in good shape with fewer foreign arrivals than targeted, and he would be prioritising attracting foreign investment and addressing household debt. "There needs to be big economic stimulus," said Srettha, who is also finance minister, adding a plan to tackle debt would be announced on Dec. 12. Thailand recorded 23.85 million foreign tourists arriving from Jan 1 to Nov. 19, spending 1 trillion baht. It is targeting 28 million arrivals versus a pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019 who spent 1.91 trillion baht. In recent weeks, government officials have described the economy to be in a crisis, necessitating its signature plan.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong, Satawasin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, Thais, Bank of Thailand, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Southeast Asia's

☆ Thais to Be Among Hostages Freed by Hamas if Gaza Truce Agreed, Thai-Muslim Politicians Say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

Persons: Thais, Lepong Syed, Wan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Hamas, Thailand's, Ministry, House Speaker, Reuters Locations: BANGKOK, Gaza, Israel, Thai, Iran

☆ Thais to be among hostages freed by Hamas if Gaza truce agreed, Thai-Muslim politicians say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

☆ Thailand to receive $8.5 bln worth of investment from AWS, Google, Microsoft
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A logo for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seen at the Collision conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Thailand will receive 300 billion baht ($8.46 billion) worth of investment from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday. AWS plans to build a data centre with a budget of $5 billion over 15 years, the government said in a separate statement. "The prime minister is confident that AWS' investment will enhance the country's competitiveness," said Chai, adding Microsoft and Google were also studying investment plans for large data centres in Thailand. Amazon Web Services, Google and Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on investments in Thailand.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Chai Wacharonke, Chai, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Amazon Web Services, REUTERS, Rights, Google, Microsoft, Thomson Locations: Toronto , Ontario, Canada, Rights BANGKOK, Thailand

☆ Thailand drops joint patrols with Chinese police after public backlash
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Thailand rolled back on Tuesday plans of joint patrols with Chinese police in popular tourist spots after public backlash. Tourism officials on Sunday floated the idea of having Chinese and Thai police patrol much-visited areas to build confidence among tourists, including Chinese nationals. "There are many alternative ways to build confidence for tourists in Thailand ... but we will not have joint patrols," Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol told reporters on Tuesday. "The Thai police force is already adequate and are working hard to restore confidence," Sudawan said. Restoring confidence is critical for Thailand's tourism industry, especially among Chinese visitors.

Persons: Helen Yi, Jorge Silva, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Sudawan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Tourism, Sunday, Thomson Locations: Taiwan, Siam, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

☆ Thailand, Toyota to jointly develop domestic EV industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Toyota Logo is seen at a Toyota dealership in Zaventem, Belgium, November 25, 2022. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Thailand will work with Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) in developing the country's electric vehicle (EV) industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said after a meeting with the automakers' executives. "Toyota said it sees the potential of Thailand's auto manufacturing industry especially in pick-up trucks and eco-cars," the government said in a statement on Thursday. The announcement comes as Toyota plans to trial its first EV pick-up truck in Thailand in a fresh attempt to boost EV sales in the country where it faces rising competition from Chinese rivals. For decades, the world's 10th largest auto hub has been dominated by Japanese firms like Toyota Motor and Honda Motor Co (7267.T), which use Thailand as a major export base.

Persons: Johanna Geron, Srettha Thavisin, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Toyota, REUTERS, Rights, Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor, EV, Thomson Locations: Zaventem, Belgium, Rights BANGKOK, Thailand, Southeast Asia

☆ Thailand to waive visas for Taiwan and India to boost tourism
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to draw in more tourists as high season approaches. Thailand in September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country's top pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019. "Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days," spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said. India has been Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea. Inbound tourism from India showed signs of growth as more airlines and hospitality chains targeted that market.

Persons: Chai Wacharonke, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, South Korea

[1/2] Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, October 16, 2023. "And if you look at the month-by-month statistics, Chinese investments are still increasing," he told Reuters. "So I see that in the next two or three years, Chinese investments will still increase drastically in Thailand." But a large proportion of the 228 Chinese investments proposals this year have come in the electronics sector, according to the BOI. Chinese investments will likely continue for the next two years, Jareeporn said.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Tingshu Wang, General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Srettha, Xiaomi Corp's, Alain Lam, Narit, Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Jareeporn, Chayut, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Thailand's, Beijing Capital International Airport, Forum, REUTERS, Rights, of Investment, Investment, Reuters, Thai, Initiative, HK, Toyota, Isuzu Motors, WHA, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BANGKOK, Thailand, Singapore, Southeast Asia's, Thailand's, Thai

[1/3] Noopar Pansa-ard, 63, prays for her son, Somkuan Pansa-ard, 39, a Thai labour who was killed in Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at a temple in Kalasin province, Thailand, October 11, 2023. "I told him - don't talk like that ... My heart will shatter if you don't return," Noopar said. A day later, her son Somkuan Pansa-ard, 39, was killed during an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, where he had gone to work in a fruit plantation to send money back to help his family repay a loan. It was not clear where in Israel Somkuan had been killed. So far, 20 Thai nationals have been killed and 14 taken hostage in the conflict, the Thai foreign ministry says.

Persons: Somkuan, Thomas Suen, Noopar Pansa, Noopar, Somkuan Pansa, Israel Somkuan, Khraboan Pansa, Khraboan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Miral Organizations: ard, Hamas, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Thai, Israel, Palestinian, Kalasin province, Thailand, Somkuan's

Oct 10 (Reuters) - When 26-year-old Natthaporn Onkaew headed for Israel two years ago to join thousands of fellow Thai migrants and take a job as a farm worker, his father warned him not to go. Now his words have come hauntingly true: Natthaporn is among 11 Thais and scores of other hostages taken by Hamas militants in their unprecedented assault on Israel at the weekend. He is one of 30,000 Thais working in Israel, mainly in the agricultural sector. Among numerous nations with citizens caught up in the conflagration, 18 Thais have also been killed and nine injured. Thailand and the Philippines are among the largest sources of migrant workers for Israel, the Filipinos mainly in healthcare.

Persons: Natthaporn, Onkaew, Thawatchai Onkaew, Thongkoon Onkaew, I'm, Thais, Napat Wesshasartar, Thomas Suen, Chayut, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: Hamas, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, SAENG, Baan, Philippines

☆ Thailand says 12 of its citizens killed in Israel, 11 kidnapped
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

A view shows a police station that was the site of a battle following a mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Sderot, southern Israel October 8, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Thailand's foreign ministry on Monday said 12 Thai nationals had been killed in unrest in Israel, plus 11 more kidnapped and eight injured. "We are working to help all Thai citizens in Israel," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke told reporters. Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ronen, Kanchana Patarachoke, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Foreign, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Sderot, Israel, Rights BANGKOK

☆ Thai police arrest four suspected of selling modified gun to mall shooter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Thai police arrested on Thursday four men suspected of illegally selling modified firearms to the teenager who opened fire in a luxury mall in Bangkok this week, killing two and wounding five. Two of the four were arrested in the Thai capital and two in the southern province of Yala on suspicion of selling a modified blank gun to the 14-year-old, who has been charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Mass shootings are rare in Thailand, but gun violence and gun ownership is common. "The digital ministry will be shutting down websites selling blank guns," Jakkapong Sangmanee, the deputy foreign minister, told a separate briefing. The government plans to ban imports of blank guns, BB guns and imitation firearms, its deputy spokesperson, Karom Phonphonklang, said in a statement.

Persons: Jorge Silva, Samran Nuanma, Karom Phonphonklang, Chayut Setboonsarng, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Thomson Locations: Siam, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai, Yala

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