The Thai Embassy in Islamabad has advised Thai nationals to avoid traveling to Pakistan as tensions between Pakistan and India escalate.
The neighbouring countries and long-time rivals exchanged heavy artillery fire early this morning, with India launching a series of strikes on sites in Pakistan and Kashmir, in retaliation for a deadly terror attack last month.
While denying involvement in the attack, Pakistan has reported at least 26 dead and 46 injured, while the Indian army claimed that at least 10 civilians have been killed by Pakistani shelling.
Thai Ambassador to Pakistan, Rongvudhi Virabutr, said in an online interview with Thai PBS World yesterday that Thai citizens should avoid traveling to Pakistan.
Thai Ambassador to Pakistan, Rongvudhi Virabutr
India launched strikes last night on several Pakistani towns, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, Sialkot and Muzaffarabad, he said.
The attacks prompted Pakistan to close its airspace, affecting many flights, including those of Thai Airways International.
The ambassador added that some Thai citizens have contacted the embassy, reporting that they are unable to leave Pakistan due to the flight disruptions and that their visas were close to expiring. The embassy is currently negotiating with Pakistani authorities to extend their visas.
At present, there are about 1,000 Thai students residing in various parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, Rongvudhi noted.
To date, the embassy has not received any reports of Thai nationals being injured in the attacks.
For those living in Pakistan, the ambassador urged increased caution, particularly among those in and around Lahore, which may be potential strike targets.
On the embassy’s official Facebook page, Thai nationals are advised to stay updated on the situation, follow announcements from local authorities and comply with local laws and regulations for their own safety.
The embassy also urged Thai citizens to register their details, using the form posted on its Facebook page, to assist in tracking their whereabouts in case of an emergency.
In urgent situations, Thai nationals can contact the embassy on +92 315 9009949 or +92 326 0306623, or via Line ID: thai-islamabad. If unable to communicate directly, they are advised to seek assistance from local police in contacting the embassy.
Rongvudhi expressed hope that the situation will improve soon.
Earlier many airlines, including Thai Airways International (THAI), announced that they would re-route flights to Europe and South Asia starting early Wednesday morning due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Following the conflict that erupted earlier in the day, Pakistani airspace and airports were suspended.
Thai Airways stated it would reroute flights to destinations in Europe and South Asia from 5 am on Wednesday. The airline also warned passengers to expect possible delays.
Read more : THAI diverts routes as India-Pakistan strikes shut airspace
