Thailand Joins Global Efforts to Help Nepal

[Jacob Maslow]

Thailand is joining the global effort to send aid to Nepal after a devastating earthquake has claimed the lives of more than 4,000 people. Doctors, soldiers, supplies and planes are being mobilised, and fundraisers are being organized to help victims.

The Medical Council of Thailand asked for volunteers and created an online registration to aid in the process. By late Monday afternoon, over 350 doctors had volunteered. The council warned that volunteers would need to be prepared to face hardship as water, food and basic facilities were far and few between in disaster areas.

Forensic officers and police doctors will also be leaving for Nepal to help identify victims. Donations are also being accepted through the Prime Minster’s Office. The Public Health Ministry and the Thai Red Cross would also be sending medical personnel to affected areas. Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry will make a donation of rice in addition to the government’s $200,000 USD donation to the country.

Prawit Wongsuwon, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minster, stated that military doctors and soldiers would be sent to Nepal as well as an aircraft. The army will also send supplies, drinking water and medical personnel.

The government plans to air a TV programme asking for donations on Channel 5 Tuesday evening.

-- 2015-04-28

[Robby nz]

This highlights the need for a ready response disaster unit that can be called out and deployed within the first hours of a national or international disaster.

I know in some cases there is a need to wait till another country actually calls for aid before they can act but to be ready as soon as that call comes can often save lives, as would have been the case in this devastating earthquake.

[Shiver]

It's good that an international community can pull together at times like this. I wish Thailand would accept help though when it happens here. It could save lives.

[Trentham]

Yep, $200,000 will cover about 4 serious operations. Thailand is SOoo generous.

Has it forgotten the help it received during the 2004 tsunami?

[evadgib]

In comparison the UK (similar sized population to los) had pledged £5M within 24hrs.

Edited April 28, 2015 by evadgib