Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its gratitude to friendly countries and international organizations for their assistance in managing the southern flooding situation. It was noted that many countries and international organizations are still on standby to provide additional help. Thailand has already extended aid to 800 tourists impacted by the floods.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangkura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared updates on the support extended to foreigners affected by the floods in the South. The Ministry set up a coordination center for this purpose on November 28th. Mr. Plangkura mentioned that around 800 foreigners from countries including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, China, Croatia, Hungary, Bangladesh, Bhutan, South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands, and Jordan have been informed. The center has been actively coordinating with local agencies to ensure all those affected receive necessary assistance.
Although Thailand has not formally requested international assistance, numerous friendly countries have offered help in various forms. For instance, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided relief supplies, handed over to the Prime Minister on December 2nd. Additionally, the South Korean Ambassador to Thailand, along with a South Korean private company, contributed 1 million baht to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on December 2nd. Furthermore, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand facilitated the donation of funds and goods by Chinese companies and organizations, amounting to 62 million baht, to the Prime Minister on December 3rd. A Chinese private company also provided essential aid, including tents, medical supplies, food, and drinking water, to the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force on December 3rd. Other international entities like Singapore and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are working with Thai agencies to determine the most suitable assistance for the affected areas.
Mr. Nikorndet expressed Thailand’s appreciation for the generous support extended by friendly countries, international organizations, and the global private sector to those affected by the floods. He also mentioned that the coordination center will gather various proposals and forward them to the Flood Emergency Operations Center (FOCOC) for further consideration.