Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

    BANGKOK, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama on Friday presented on behalf of Thai people a donation of 500,000 U.S. dollars to Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan, as assistance for earthquake victims in China.

    Receiving the donation at Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry in Bangkok, the Chinese ambassador said Chinese people appreciated the prompt and deep concerns shown by Thailand's royal family, government and people for the disaster situation in China after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake on May 12 that hit Sichuan province in southwestern China.

    Zhang told Noppadon that the Chinese government will do the utmost to relieve the impacts of disaster, but the country also welcomes any international assistance.

    Noppadon also told Zhang that Thailand, as a close friend of China, is ready to offer assistance in any form if the Chinese government wants it.

    On Thursday, Thai Red Cross Society and Chaipattana Foundation under the royal patronage have already passed a donation of 100,000 U.S. dollars respectively to the Chinese Embassy.

    Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Thursday also made a personal donation of 100,000 RMB (some 14,286 U.S. dollars) to assist relief work in China after the earthquake.