The United States will be donating a $10 million flood aid package to Thailand, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Wednesday (Nov. 16).
Clinton, who is in Thailand for a two-day visit, said the United States is working closely with the Thai government to assess needs and assist flood victims.
“One thing we have learned is that it is not for the United States to determine what you need. You tell us what you need, and then we try to respond,” she said in a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Aside from the $10 million aid assistance, the United States will be providing military and civilian support to the flood-ravaged country in efforts to restore vital infrastructure and services, and address public health needs.
One of the major projects both countries will be focusing on is the reopening of the inundated Don Muang Airport — Thailand’s second-largest — to revive commerce and tourism in Thailand. Another is the assessment and rehabilitation of important cultural sites, including the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya, which has been damaged heavily by the floods.
Clinton commended Thailand’s “resilience in the face of this historic disaster,” and said the United States will continue to provide support to Thailand in the areas of disaster prevention and economic recovery.
“We know this is challenging work, but it is work that we are committed to doing,” she said.
Apart from Clinton, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in Thailand and met with Prime Minister Shinawatra to discuss the country’s current situation and offer assistance where needed.
Many areas in Thailand remain swamped in floodwaters, but the overall situation, especially in the country’s capital, is improving. According to the local government in Bangkok, the Lad Phrao intersection, a major road in the city, is expected to dry up by week’s end.
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