On 19 January 2010, Mr. Theerakun Niyom, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as chairman of Inter-agency Committee on International Relief Assistance, together with Mr. Veerachai Virameteekul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, as coordinator, chaired the meeting on humanitarian assistance to Haiti which was hit by massive earthquake last week. After the meeting, they gave a press interview regarding the outcome of the meeting. Gist as follows:
1. The cabinet meeting has approved the increase of Thailand’s financial assistance to Haiti from 20,000 US dollars to 100,000 US dollars. On 20 January 2010, Mrs. Charuwan Thiemthad, Thai Ambassador to Mexico, will represent the Royal Thai Government to present the contribution to the representative(s) of the Mexican Government and Haitian envoy in Mexico in a ceremony to be held at the Mexican Foreign Ministry. The Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City will coordinate with the Mexican authorities concerned of the host country on the procurement and delivery of medical supply and other necessities to Haiti.
2. The Cabinet has approved to send 20,000 tonnes of rice to Haiti. The first batch of rice will be sent to Haiti immediately. Moreover, the Foreign Ministry will host a meeting to consider the related logistical matter accordingly.
3. Thailand stands ready to send a medical team to help the affected Haitians under the framework of international organization.
4. The Thai people can also donate money to help the affected people in Haiti through the following channels:
4.1 The Prime Minister’s Office account at Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Government House Sub-branch, saving account number 067-0-05765-7 (Ruam Jai Thai Chuay Phu Prasopphai Haiti). For more information please call 1111. On-site donation can be made at the Fountain Square near Makawan Rangsan Bridge between 20 January — 3 February 2010.
4.2 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ account at Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Samyod Branch, current account number 002-6-18233-5 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th