On 12 October 2017, Ambassador Jukr Boon-Long met Mr. Fabrizzio Carboni, Resident Representative, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Myanmar to deliver Thailand’s cash assistance of 5,000,000 Thai baht (equivalent to 149,566.25 US dollars) for humanitarian efforts in Rakhine State. Also present at the handover ceremony were Daw Kay Thi Soe, Director-General, Strategic Studies and Training Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar and U Win Shwe, Regional Director, Relief and Resettlement Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement of Myanmar.

The contribution is part of Thailand’s commitment to supporting the Myanmar Government in addressing humanitarian situation in Rakhine State through the Myanmar Government-led mechanism established in cooperation with the Red Cross Movement. Early this year, Thailand also donated 200,000 US dollars to the Myanmar Government to provide humanitarian aids for those in need in Rakhine State.   

Apart from humanitarian response, the Royal Thai Government has multi-pronged approach to support the Myanmar Government in addressing the situation in Rakhine State. Thailand has engaged in wide-ranging development activities in Rakhine State with an aim to promoting better livelihood and well-being of all people living in the area. Among others, Thailand is currently pursuing the construction of a community rice mill as well as the renovation of a marine shrimp culture demonstration center in Rakhine State.

Thailand understands that Myanmar needs time, space and understanding for its efforts to achieve peace, stability and reconciliation in Rakhine State. In this regard, the Royal Thai Government also stands ready to assist the Myanmar Government for its bid to find sustainable solutions through the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

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