During 10 - 12 July 2023, the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana carried out a project of basic health and mental checkup, legal consultation, and knowledge and best practices sharing among Thai spa masseurs in Kazakhstan, and a consular mobile project in Kazakhstan. Almost 70 Thai nationals participated in these projects. In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Chatchawan Sakornsin, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of the Embassy’s duty to protect Thai nationals living and working in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan. He also stressed that The Embassy is always available for Thai people to contact via hotline and line groups of Thai people in Kazakhstan. Thai nationals are also able to follow the Embassy’s announcements and activities through its official Facebook page

The projects’ main activities include (1) basic physical and mental checkup to the Thais by Dr. Jammaree Na Bangxang, Assistant Professor, Senior Professional Level, Department of Psychiatry, Rajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services of Thailand; (2) an online briefing on basic laws and regulations for the Thais working abroad by Mr. Amnat Phalapleewan, Director of the Protection of Thai Nationals Abraod Division, Department of Consular Affairs of Thailand; and (3) visits to Thai masseurs working in spas in Almaty by Ms. Nattarika Chaiyadaecha, Counsellor/Consul, Royal Thai Embassy in Astana.

The two consular activities carried out by the Embassy this year are very beneficial to the Thai people in Kazakhstan, who have requested the Embassy to organize on a yearly basis. The activities have provided a platform for the Thai nationals in Kazakhstan to meet and consult with the doctor closely and to learn about their rights as foreign workers in Kazakhstan. The projects have also provided an opportunity for the Consul to learn directly from the Thai people living and working in Kazakhstan about their quality of life and the difficulties they may be facing to which the Consul was able to give them consultation, advice, and encouragement. Thai nationals participating in the activities were also able to exchange networking and share views on their experiences of working and living Kazakhstan, contributing to the Thai community morality strengthening in Kazakhstan as a whole.