An official with the Thai Embassy to China said Wednesday that two Chinese
nationals were killed and25 wounded by the devastating tidal waves that struck
Thailand andseveral other countries Sunday.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said one of those killed was from Hong Kong, the
other from Taiwan Province.
Sakarn Suthipradit, minister of the Thai Embassy, told a press conference
that the Thai Foreign Ministry organized a special flight on Dec. 26 to the
famous resort island Phuket to provide assistance for foreign nationals on
matters regarding immigration,transit and flights back to their respective
countries.
"The Thai prime minister has authorized the foreign ministry toadvance
traveling expenses for tourists who have lost their documents and personal
belongings to return to their countries, aswell as expenses on returning the
deceased bodies to their respective countries," said Sakarn.
Sakarn expressed cordial thanks to the assistance provided by international
community, including China.
"The Thai government highlights the need for medical and forensic experts as
well as supplies including body bags, embalming chemicals, freezer containers,
first aid kits, anti-diarrhea and anti-biotic medicine, canned food, power
generators and water purifiers," Sakarn said.
Sakarn said the information and photos of missing persons couldbe obtained at
website www.phuketitcity.com; and the websites to
check for other rescue information are http://ems.narenthorn.or.th,www.moph.go.th,
www.disaster.go.th.