BANGKOK, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday gave a greenlight to provide US$100,000 to quake-hit Haiti, and will also send 20,000 tonnes of rice to help victims there following estimates that two million people urgently need food aid, according to Thai News Agency.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that the additional aid was approved after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated an initial grant of US$20,000 last week.
The foreign ministry earlier sought Cabinet approval of medium-term financial assistance to Haiti as the Thai law does not allow the ministry itself to approve any budget over US$30,000.
The premier said 20,000 tonnes of rice will also be sent there. After detailed discussions with the United Nations, Thailand will also send a medical team into the devastated area.
"Those who want to help the quake victims can donate through Krung Thai Bank, Government House Branch, account number 0057-65-7 or call hotline telephone number 1111," said Abhisit.
The premier added that a donation centre to help Haitians will be set up near Makkawanrangsan Bridge from January 20 though February 3, open every day.
Abhisit assigned Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Veerachai Veerametheekul to coordinate with the foreign ministry in providing help the quake-hit people in Haiti.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya earlier said that the ministry is consulting with agencies concerned to provide assistance to benefit a spectrum of victims, and that he has asked the Mexican government to help procure and deliver supplies in need on behalf of the Thai government to affected Haitians with Thailand's financial assistance.
The foreign ministry reported that eight Thais living in Haiti were safe after a 7.0 magnitude quake hit southern Haiti last Tuesday killing some 50,000 people and affected some two million people. There are fears that the death toll could reach 200,000.
Source:bernama.com/
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