Press Releases
#071 /05 December 29, 2005
U.S. Gives Bt.2 Million to Thai Red Cross
To Help Flood Victims in South of Thailand
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alexander A. Arvizu today presented a 2,000,000 baht ($50,000) donation to the Thai Red Cross Society to provide relief supplies to the people affected by the recent floods in southern Thailand.
The donation will fund relief packages for 6,000 families affected by the flooding. The packages will contain cooked rice, instant noodles, sardines, salt, water, candles, lighters and other emergency supplies. Additionally, the funding will cover the costs of 2,000 blankets for senior citizens.
During the handover ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Arvizu said, “The photos of the terrible flooding in southern Thailand reminded us of the situation in the southern United States just three months ago following Hurricane Katrina and the breaching of the levees in New Orleans. At that time His Majesty the King graciously offered a gift of rice to affected Americans. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn also made a gracious offer of foodstuffs. In addition, the Royal Thai Government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand offered us blankets and other assistance to help Americans affected by the disaster. It is in that same spirit of friendship and caring for others during their time of crisis that we offer this assistance to people in southern Thailand at this difficult time.”
Extensive flooding in the southern provinces of Thailand in recent weeks has forced evacuations, destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and farmlands. The provinces of Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Narathiwat, Pattalung, Trang, Yala, and Satun have been severely affected by the flooding, reportedly the worst in 30 years.
“We sincerely hope that the floods subside and people’s lives return to normal in the very near future. We are pleased to join with the Royal Thai Government and others to assist those who have suffered as a result of these destructive floods,” Chargé d’Affaires Arvizu concluded.