Thai government sends assistance to typhoon-hit Philippines

BANGKOK, November 13 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Defence, is dispatching doctors, medicines and other necessities to assist typhoon victims in the Philippines. Defence Ministry Spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng told reporters on Wednesday that the Thai government's first batch of assistance, comprising seven personnel including two doctors, will shortly depart Thailand by a C-130 transport plane. The spokesman said the Thai government's second batch of assistance, comprising two ships including the landing platform dock ship, HTMS Ang Thong and HTMS Si Chang, will later leave for the Philippines. The HTMS Ang Thong is assigned to help transport personnel and engineering equipment, while the HTMS Si Chang will transport food, drinking water and medicines. According to the spokesman, the Royal Thai Air Force will also provide four C-130 cargo planes which will help transport personnel and necessary equipment. The plan to assist the Philippines came after Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had sent a condolence message to the Manila government, expressing her regret over the great loss of the ASEAN neighbouring country on behalf of Thai people. Typhoon “Haiyan” hit the central Philippine province of Leyte last Friday and it was estimated unofficially that as many as 10,000 people perished. (TNA)