By NNN-TNA
Bangkok : There is as yet no need to evacuate Thai nationals from Pakistan following the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto on Thursday, an event which has plunged that country into high tension and widespread violence, according to a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Spokesman Tharit Charungvat, also director-general of the Ministry’s Information Department, said Thailand’s embassy in Islamabad and consulate in Karachi had contacted Thais living in Pakistan and advised them to stay home and to refrain from engaging in any political activities.
Some 300 Thais, mostly students, are now in Pakistan, and all are safe, he said.
Despite the violence, it is unnecessary, so far, to evacuate the Thais, Tharit said, adding that Thailand’s embassy and consulate have mapped out evacuation plans in case the situation worsens.
In related developments, Thai Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont has sent a message of condolence to Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf saying that “Thailand condemns all forms of terrorist and extremist acts and hopes that, in this difficult time, good sense will prevail and all sides work together to maintain peace and stability in the country.”
Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram in a separate message sent to his Pakistani counterpart Inam ul Haque said: “During this time of sorrow, I wish to extend to Your Excellency and, through you, to the family of Bhutto as well as the Government and the people of the Pakistan my deepest condolences and profound sympathy.”