Foreign rescue teams arrive

PHUKET: Teams of foreign rescue workers have been arriving in Phuket to assist in rescue and recovery operations in Khao Lak following Sunday’s disaster.

Last night a team of some 35 Taiwanese arrived at Phuket Provincial Hall. Other rescue teams arriving include a unit from Germany and a volunteer squad from the United States.

They were followed this morning by French Foreign Affairs Minister Michel Barnier and a French rescue unit.

Mr Barnier was briefed on the situation this morning by Thai Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula at the rescue center at Phuket Provincial Hall before the pair left to visit victims at Wachira Phuket Hospital

K. Bhokin told reporters that the Government would try to complete the search for the dead by year’s end as a “New Year gift” to the public.