Thai Princess Orders Sattahip AAV’s into Flood Stricken Regions

Published : October 19, 2010 :: 17:10:05 [ 3,021 views ]

Thai Princess Orders Sattahip AAV’s into Flood Stricken Regions

Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali has instructed the Sattahip Naval Base to dispatch two Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) to assist in the delivery of supplies and the rescue of stranded citizens in flood affected areas of Nakhon Ratchasima and the nations northeast.

Sattahip, the 19^th of October 2010 [PDN]: Experiencing the worst floods in over 50-years the northeast of Thailand’s is in desperate need of immediate survival aid, food supplies, fresh drinking water and medicine, with numerous charity agencies, local administrations, government bodies and private sector firms currently assisting aid efforts in the region.

In line with previous methods used in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami in the south of Thailand, the Princess Pa Foundation and Thailand Red Cross have come together to prepare aid packages for the stranded citizens in flooded regions.

At the behest of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali, Admiral Kamphon Phumhiran (Sailor Commissioner) assigned Vice Admiral Phongsak Phureeroj (Marine Commissioner) to arrange for the delivery and usage of two AAV vehicles in helping to distribute aid packages and rescue stranded people in the Nakhon Ratchasima flood areas.

Vice Admiral Phureeroj subsequently provided the vehicle in addition to two transport vehicles from the Engineers Battalion enabling the quick passage of the vehicles to the region. The navy convoy left Sattahip at approximately 4:00am on Tuesday, bound for the Nakhon Ratchasima district of Pak Thong Chai.

Prior to Tuesday deployment, Princess Soamsavali had been instrumental in the deployment of eight punts (small flat-bottomed boats) to assist in the disaster relief, however further aid was determined necessary.

Admiral Phumhiran praised the Thai princess for her dedication, support and love for the Thai people, while delegating the command of the AAV battalion and its accompanying marines to Commander Chanok Sunthraphornphon (Ordinance Department Head).