BANGKOK, Aug 5 — The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has affirmed that no Thais were reported injured in Sunday’s 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Yunnan.
However the head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the ministry expressed their deepest condolences to China for the loss of life and damages in the southwestern Chinese province, saying that Thailand is prepared to make donations to help the earthquake victims.
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeao said the 6.5 magnitude-tremour that rocked China’s eastern Yunnan province on Sunday was a grave natural disaster, as the quake has killed over 300 people.
Mr Sihasak said that Chief of the NCPO, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, along with himself have conveyed the heartfelt condolence messages to the Chinese government on behalf of Thailand, as both countries have always enjoyed strong friendships.
Thailand is ready to provide assistance needed by China and would allocate a budget to the Chinese government to provide assistance to earthquake victims.
In the meantime, the foreign affairs chief said the Thai Consul General in Kunming has reported that most Thais in Yunnan are students and that all live in the city area.
The consul gacve assurances that no Thais have been injured, stressing it has advised Thai students living in Yunnan to avoid quake prone areas.
There are currently 600 Thai students studying in Kunming, which is far from the earthquake site.
The China Earthquake Networks Center reported that the strong quake struck at 4:30pm Sunday at a depth of 12 km, with its epicenter Longtoushan township.
