Bangkok,  February 19 (AseanAll) — Thai prime minister has welcomed home members of the Urban Search and Rescue Thailand (USAR Thailand), who returned to the kingdom following their mission to assist earthquake victims in Türkiye(Turkiye) .

Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over a ceremony to receive the USAR Thailand team at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 18. 

Among those welcoming the team were Thai Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda, Turkish Ambassador to Thailand Serap Ersoy, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Thailand Boontham Lertsukekasem, and representatives from various ministries and organizations.

The 42 personnel and two golden retriever sniffer dogs conducted urban search & rescue operations in Türkiye’s Hatay province from February 9-17. During its mission, the team was able to identify the location of 25 survivors while its medical team rendered full assistance to those in need. The people of Türkiye also expressed their gratitude to the Thai team for their help during this difficult time.

During the ceremony, the prime minister thanked all involved in the Thai mission to Türkiye and hailed the rescue team as heroes for their sacrifice to help others, despite being formed on short notice. Medals of recognition were then presented to all members of the team, including the sniffer dogs Sierra and Sahara.

Prayut added that the team’s efforts have raised the reputation, prestige and dignity of Thailand in carrying out their duties with efficiency and effectiveness in line with international standards of providing humanitarian aid. It also helped to foster closer ties between Thailand and Türkiye.

Photo source: Thai government website

The premier urged all personnel to maintain the standards of their work and continue carrying out their duties to protect and serve people in times of need.