Thai engineers to join UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) will deploy 273 engineers to support the United Nations in South Sudan (UNMISS) starting Sunday.

The RTAF Commander-In-Chief, General Songwit Noonphakdi, presided over a send-off ceremony for the fifth group of military personnel yesterday, August 15.

The contingent includes 256 RTAF soldiers, among them 28 female military personnel, along with 17 other military staff.

Gen. Songwit stated that this group will replace the personnel who left in July last year.

The first group will depart on Sunday, August 17, with the remaining personnel set to leave on September 6.

UNMISS is the UN’s peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a country that has faced continuous unrest since gaining independence on July 9, 2011, said Gen. Songwit.

“It is a pride and honour for Thailand to be part of an international peacekeeping force, adding that such participation enhances the knowledge and experience of Thai armed personnel.”

He further noted that the competence of Thai military engineers has been validated by international partners, including the United Nations, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Government of Thailand is preparing to introduce a bill designed to improve the quality of life and welfare protection for the nation’s 20 million informal workers, including Internet influencers and farmers who currently lack a social safety net.

Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumiphat Mueanchan announced that the bill is being advanced to the Cabinet for approval before proceeding to Parliament.

This legislation aims to include independent workers such as farmers, freelancers, vendors, artists, actors, YouTubers, influencers, and food delivery riders within a formal social welfare scheme.

These groups, representing a significant portion of the workforce, are not currently recognized under existing labour laws and, as a result, are excluded from universal state health insurance and other basic labour rights. The bill seeks to provide social security coverage, ensure workplace safety, and protect the rights of these non-formal workers.