Thai PM mobilises relief efforts for Typhoon-hit Philippines

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday called for concerted efforts in the country to help Typhoon victims in Philippines. After Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Yingluck sent condolences to the Philippines on the devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Haiyan. She instructed the Foreign Ministry to coordinate disaster- relief efforts in the country, including financial assistance and medical services. Government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi said the lady premier, who also serves as defence minister, had asked the Thai army to assist the Philippines. She said the government would air a special programme"Thais help Filipinos" Wednesday night on Channel 11, asking for donations from all Thais to help the Typhoon victims in the fellow ASEAN country. The number of deaths caused by "Haiyan", which have been wrecking havoc in the Philippines since Friday, rose to 1,774 by Monday night, with 82 missing and 2,487 injured, according to a Philippine government agency.