Thais assisted to leave Japan's quake-hit zone

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) - The Thai Embassy in Tokyo has set up a coordination centre at its premise and dispatched three buses to evacuate 127 Thais, mostly students, and 68 foreigners to Fukuoka Prefecture's Airport or a relief centre for Thai citizens at Global Arena. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press release, issued on April 17, the Thai Embassy to Japan has also assigned its officials, along with Thai Consulate authorities to visit the earthquake-hit zone to provide necessary assistance to affected Thais. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists that there are about 200 Thais living in Japan's quake-stricken Kumamoto Prefecture. The spokesman quoted information released by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs as confirming that no casualties were reported among Thais. Deadly earthquakes struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the Kyushu Island last Thursday and Saturday, which have reportedly killed a total of more than 40 people, while more than 10 others have remained missing. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has sent a message to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, saying that Thailand is ready to fully assist Japan, if requested in any issue. The spokesman stated that the prime minister has also ordered the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to closely monitor the updated situation in Japan. Besides, the prime minister has urged Thais to convey sympathy and moral support to the Japanese people whose country is a long-time close friend of Thailand so that they would overcome this nightmare situation soon. (TNA)