Thailand Joins Rest of World in Aiding Philippines

 | Fri 22 Nov 2013 13:30 ICT

CityNews – Thailand has stepped up and joined the international swarm of aid being sent to the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

The Thai government reported that it had already donated 5,000 tonnes of rice to the country, and is considering selling more to the capital of Manila. The Philippines government has said they will have to import up to half a million tonnes in order to replenish their diminished stocks after the catastrophe.

Thai Air Force planes have already visited the region, dispensing more than 20 tonnes of aid material including food, medicine, tents and clean water. Thailand has also sent engineers, doctors and other necessary personnel, many of whom were dispatched as aid workers during Thailand’s tsunami.

Over 4 million Filipino people are now displaced, with the death toll being very difficult to determine. Some reports say at least 3,982 deaths have been confirmed, while others say it is now at 5,613. While bodies are being discovered every day, there are also at least 1,602 missing people, which makes it more difficult to tally exact numbers.