The first batch of DNA samples of the Dec. 26 tsunami victims on Saturday were sent to China for testing.

The 100 samples, which would be followed by the second and third batches in several days, have been collected from around 4,000 unidentified victims of the last year's tsunamis in Thailand, said Captain Ponpasert Ganjanakintr from the Thai Royal Police Office.

Ponpasert said DNA and forensic experts from nearly 30 countries and regions and some international organizations had been engaged in the work of collecting DNA samples. It would take about one month for the 400 experts to fulfill the task.

"China's DNA test level has reached world standard. It offers free DNA examination for Thailand, which we appreciate very much,"said Ponpasert.

Deng Yajun, head of China's DNA testing team, said this is just the beginning of the work. She hopes DNA test for all the samples would be accomplished as soon as possible.

China's DNA testing team arrived in Thailand on Dec. 30 last year to assist the country in identifying bodies of tsunami victims.

Four members of the team on Saturday returned to China convoying the DNA samples. Another member will continue to stay inthe tsunami-battered southern Thailand to help with corpse identification.