Officers, crew and civilians begin loading supplies headed for the flood stricken south.
Royal Thai Navy ships and aircraft based in Sattahip delivered manpower and relief supplies from the Pattaya area to victims of flooding in Southern Thailand.
The HTMS Chakri Naruebet and HTMS Surin as well as four Seahawk helicopters were dispatched to Songkla Province Nov. 2, laden with troops to aid flooding victims, cook meals and hand out supplies donated by business in the Eastern Seaboard.
The Chakri Naruebet will serve as a floating kitchen and hospital, with 400 sailors supplying two meals a day and delivering 2,000 bags of rations provided by the Princess Pa Foundation and the Royal Household.
HRH Princess Soamsawalee, who created the Princess Pa group to provide flooding relief supplies every year, had her top secretary, Somthawin Yangyoo, oversee the delivery of the aid bags packed by volunteers and the Thai Red Cross Nov. 2.
Dried goods and rice were also donated by Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Big C in South Pattaya, Thai Namthip Co., the Sattahip electrical utility, Royal Thai Fleet, and TV Channels 3 and 9.
Rear Adm. Saknarin Charoensuk, head of the relief convoy, said businesses and the public quickly responded to calls for help and that even though only a short amount of time elapsed since the media announcement, a large amount of aid donated was donated.
The relief effort was expected to last at least five days, with supplies being carried into water-soaked areas by air and amphibious vehicles.
Those interested in donating cash and supplies should contact the navy Civil Affairs bureau at 02-475-4943.
