Thais join quake mission

• Published date: 10 February 2023
• Publication title: Bangkok Post

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has sent messages of condolences to the presidents of the Republic of Trkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic after the recent earthquake, which had killed over 16,000 people as of Thursday.

The message that was sent to the president of Trkiye reads: "Queen Suthida and I are shocked and so deeply saddened by the catastrophic earthquake striking expansive areas across southern Trkiye.

"Casualties are now nearing ten thousand and are projected to surge multifold, with countless thousands more injured, missing, or made homeless. Infrastructure and buildings lie in rubble.

"Our hearts and minds are indeed with the victims and the rescuers. Thailand will respond appropriately in joining the international relief effort.

"On behalf of the people of Thailand, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Your Excellency and the people of Trkiye. We join you in mourning the losses and bereavements. We hope and pray for a complete and speedy recovery from this tragic disaster."

The message, which was sent to the president of Syria, reads: "The Queen and I are much saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake which struck many areas in northwestern Syria, with great number of lives lost, scores of missing and injured, and uprooting an untold number of the population.

"We wish to extend, on behalf of the people of Thailand, our profound condolences and sympathy to Your Excellency and, through you, to the people of the Syrian Arab Republic, especially those who have suffered loss and bereavement from a disaster of such magnitude.

"We sincerely hope that this calamity will come to a rapid end leading to the fullest recovery."

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which hit southern Trkiye and its neighbour Syria early on Monday, is one of the largest to strike the...