China supports Thailand's disaster mitigation

BANGKOK, June 21 (TNA) - China has presented six hydraulic excavators to Thailand to support the country's disaster mitigation mission, following a flooding crisis in Thailand in late 2011. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director General, under the Thai Ministry of Interior, Chatchai Promlert, and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Guan Mu signed a cooperation deal on Friday, acknowledging China's delivery of the hydraulic excavators to Thailand. According to the senior Thai official, it is the first such cooperation between the two friendly nations, which should lead to tighter cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation between the two sides. The senior Thai official said the six hydraulic excavators will be dispatched to each Thai region. In response, the Chinese Ambassador noted that, as Thailand and China have had a strong relationship and Beijing has seen Thailand's attempts in water management and, thus, wanted to support by delivering the 6 hydraulic excavators to the kingdom, as well as sent experts to help train Thai personnel on the use and engine maintenance. (TNA)