The 42-member Thai USAR (urban search and rescue) team were welcomed home by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on their arrival in Bangkok today (Saturday), after the completion of their 10-day mission in Turkey.
During their mission to Hatay Province, which was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 9th, the Thai search and rescue workers from the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation recovered 25 people, who were buried under the debris of collapsed buildings, and the medical personnel provided first aid and other medical treatment to several of the injured.
At the end of their 10-day mission, the Thai team handed over to the local Turkish search and rescue team.
The prime minister thanked the Thai team and all officials related to their operations in Turkey which, he said, has been recognised by the international community, adding that this was the first time that the USAR Thailand team had worked with those from several other countries.
He said that, even though the team left for Turkey at short notice, they were well prepared, did a great job and deserve a hero’s welcome home.
