SAF LENDS A HELPING HAND TO THAILAND

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 transport plane delivered US$50,000 worth of humanitarian aid to Phitsanulok, Thailand on 27 May noon, to assist the local authorities in flood relief operations.

Phitsanulok's neighbouring province, Uttaradit (420km north of Bangkok) suffered the greatest destruction from flash floods caused by days of torrential rain. Over 40 villagers from the province were believed to have been swept away by the flash floods and others buried under mud and debris.

Thailand had accepted Singapore s offer of humanitarian assistance for the victims. Singapore s Ministry of Foreign Affairs put together US$50,000 worth of humanitarian aid, consisting of blankets, tentage and medical supplies and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was called upon to deliver the aid.

The C-130 aircraft delivered the aid to Phitsanulok military airport, where SAF had set up its operations centre. It arrived on 27 May and Colonel (COL) Mark Koh, the SAF s Defence Attach to Bangkok, presented the medical supplies to Lieutenant-General (LG) Saprang Kalayanamitra, Commanding General of the 3rd Army Area in a symbolic handover of humanitarian aid. Also present was LG Jiradej Kotcharat, commanding General of the 3rd Army Corps.

Three RSAF CH-47 Chinook helicopters scheduled to train in Thailand were also deployed for the humanitarian assistance.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Quek Chew Teck, Commanding Officer of Flying Support Squadron and mission commander of the humanitarian assistance operation, said that the 60-odd servicemen deployed for this mission would work closely with the Thai authorities on what they could do in the flood relief effort.

He added that the Chinooks would be involved mainly in search-and-rescue missions as well as transporting humanitarian aid and personnel to the affected areas.

LTC Quek, together with other SAF officers and Royal Thai Armed Forces officers, visited the 3rd Army Relief Centre to gain a better understanding of the situation. They also conducted a recce of the affected area to assess the situation.

On the duration of the mission, LTC Quek said: Our guys are well-trained and prepared. We will be here, as long as our contribution is needed and we can play a useful role.