The Chinese people have been very impressed with the moral and material support offered to them by Thailand and its people, including from Their Majesties the King and Queen and all sectors of Thai society.
A statement, issued today by the Chinese embassy in Thailand, said that Their Majesties had sent a message of support to Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with medical supplies, such as face masks, surgical gloves and gowns and medicines.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, ministers and many other politicians also sent messages offering moral support, while many other people donated money and materials to the Chinese people, particularly Wuhan residents.
“These gave inspiration and made a profound impression on the Chinese people. The Chinese people will never forget the Thai brothers and sisters who gave us support in a time of crisis. The affection and profound friendship of the Thai people in a time of crisis explains the idiom of “riding in the same boat” between China and Thailand – together we will overcome this crisis,” said the statement.
Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, explained today why the Thai government chose not to ban entry of Chinese tourists, to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in Thailand, as dozens of other countries had done, saying that, since bans or extreme restrictions on Chinese tourist arrivals has proven to be not fully effective in preventing the spread of the disease, the Thai government opted for stringent screening processes for arrivals and treatment of the sick, which requires hard work on the part of the medical personnel.
He said the government’s decision won praise from China, and will help cement the relations between Thailand and China on sustainable basis.
In Pattaya, the Pattaya News notes, many events and parades in support of China have been held, including one on Walking Street held by the Mayor last evening to show unity and support.
Source: ThaiPBS with additional material by the Pattaya News.
