A group of 34 Thais, some injured and one decedent, will be flown back from Turkey to Thailand this Thursday, but the Thai USAR (search and rescue) team will continue their operations in Turkey until the completion of their 10-day mission.

Upon arrival at Don Mueang Airport, the returnees will be sent to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for screening, said Dr. Narong Aphikulvanich, deputy permanent secretary of public health, said today (Tuesday).

Since their arrival in Turkey last Saturday, the medical personnel of the Thai USAR team has treated three injured Turkish people, including one who was admitted to hospital.

Dr. Narong said that, during the operations in Hatay province on Monday, a member of the Thai team sustained knee injuries and was treated with antibiotics. Two others developed respiratory symptoms from an infection and were treated accordingly.

He also said that the second team, Thailand EMT Type 1, is ready to be sent to Turkey, if there is a request from the Turkish Government, adding that medical supplies worth about 5.5 million baht have been sent to both Turkey and Syria.

The Thai Scouts Promotion Foundation donated 55 sleeping bags today (Tuesday) to the Ministry of Public Health to be used by its medical personnel operating in Turkey.