The Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson reported on further progress from the deadly blast in Beirut. Lebanon. Recently, the Labour Ambassador to the Saudi Labour Office (Riyadh), which is an area in the territory of responsibility in Lebanon, reported that two Thai workers were injured by glass cuts, with their head impinged from the ceiling and experiencing deafness. Both of whom were treated and left to rest at their accommodation for healing.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat, as the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson, revealed further reports from Commander Lieutenant Wittawat Koodprasert, Minister Counselor (on Labour), in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), where the Labour Office in Riyadh oversees Thai workers in Lebanon. The reports updated the progress from the violent explosions in Beirut, Lebanon, at about 18.20 hours on August 4th. There were two Thai workers who were injured, including Mr. Wirayuth Boonrak, working as a Japanese chef at Ginger & Co, Beirut, whereby his head had been knocked against the ceiling, and Mr. Chonthat Tanyosak, a jewelry technician whose hand was injured from fragmented glass cuts. They both had symptoms of deafness and both patients had already been treated and sent back to heal at their accommodation.
The Labour Ambassador in Riyadh also mentioned the report of Ms. Siriron Srivirut, a Labour Volunteer overseas, a foreigner who acts as a network of volunteers to provide information about the labour situation in Lebanon. She said that in general, the Lebanese authorities have now declared people to wear masks and gloves as ammonia content is scattered and the air in Beirut is polluted. If inhaled into the body, it can cause nasal congestion and itching sensations. Furthermore, people are having to find clean drinking water, which is expensive.
Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat spoke about the report of the Riyadh Labour Office, which found that at present, there are 170 Thai people and workers living and working in Lebanon. Most of them are working as diamond cutters, Thai masseuses, spas, chefs, and cooks. Out of the Thai workers, 17 people had coverage from the overseas jobseeker assistance fund, and the workers received appropriate wages and benefits. In Lebanon, there will be an honorary Thai consulate established.
“The Permanent Secretary of Labour has ordered the Labour Ambassador in Riyadh to closely monitor the situation in Lebanon since it is an area under their responsibility. If any Thai workers or relatives of Thai workers need help, contact the Labour Office in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). This will allow the Labour Ambassador to coordinate timely assistance with the Thai workers,” concluded Mrs. Theanrat.
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Division of Public Relations
6 August 2020
