Bt3.2 million in initial relief

The Cabinet yesterday approved an initial Bt3.2 million in relief for Burma in the devastating wake of Cyclone Nargis, which has reportedly claimed some 15,000 lives.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej sent a message to Rangoon expressing condolences for the tragic losses from the disaster and vowed to provide assistance to help the neighbouring country recover.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama gave the funds to Burmese Ambassador U Ye Win in the afternoon, while the Thai-Myanmar Association donated Bt300,000 to help the victims.

Thailand had asked Burma to open up for humanitarian aid from the international community, Noppadon said.

Thailand is ready to assist Burma, especially with shelter and medical care, he said.

Burma was asked to survey the damage and report the help needed so that Thailand could respond precisely, he said.

The Thai government has prepared medical supplies worth nearly Bt10 million to assist the disaster victims.

The 50,000 medical emergency packages, 100,000 first-aid kits and 500,000 pairs of gloves and other articles will be sent via C-130 military transport aircraft with coordination from the Foreign Ministry, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap said.

In total 19 medical teams were on standby to be dispatched upon Burma's request, said Prat Boonyawongwiroj, permanent secretary at the Public Health Ministry.

The disease-control team led by Dr Preecha Prempree has contacted Burmese authorities to evaluate and plan together the situation and diseases, Prat said, adding that major teams would be sent to disaster-hit areas in two to three weeks.