Thailand ready to dispatch troops to Lebanon

BANGKOK, Aug 2 (TNA) – Thailand is willing to assign its personnel to join the United Nations' peace-keeping force in Lebanon if requested, Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said Wednesday.

He gave the assurance after a ceremony to hand over a government's grant of US$150,000 to the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to help Lebanese people affected by the war crisis.

Thai Red Cross Secretary General Phan Wannamethee received the money on behalf of the ICRC.

Expressing concern over the current situation in Lebanon, the foreign minister said Thailand would consider dispatching its troop to Lebanan if the UN establishes a new peace-keeping force there and requests
assistance.

On Thai people in Lebanon and Israel, Mr Kantathi said the government has cooperated with officials there to help them travel back home if they want.

As of Tuesday, 51 Thais have returned from Isreal, while 32 others in Lebanon have evacuated to safe areas.

TNA