Military ordered to help Indonesia earthquake victims

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon extended condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Indonesia and has ordered the military to provide all necessary assistance. Spokesmen for the Ministry of Defence Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantawanich said that Gen Prawit felt sadness when informed of the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the earthquakes in Palu City on Sulawesi Island. He has ordered all branches of the armed forces to closely monitor developments and make preparations to provide humanitarian and relief aid for the victims. Lt Gen Kongcheep said that Gen Prawit had ordered the military to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin diplomatic and military enquiries as well as through the ASEAN Centre of Military Medicine - which was located at the Royal Thai Army Medical Department, to evaluate the situation so that aid efforts can be rapidly deployed. (TNA)