BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) — A delay on the departure of 30 Thai medical staff for Myanmar this morning was due to strict entry procedures imposed by the military junta of that secretive country, a senior Thai official said.
Dr. Surachet Stitniramai, director of Public Health Ministry’s Narenthorn Center, said the medical teams, sponsored by Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, were earlier scheduled to leave the military airport here at 8.00 a.m. local time (0100 gmt) but were struck at the airport for more than four hours as the C-130 military aircraft needed a clearance first from Myanmar authorities.
Two C-130 planes finally left the airport at 12.20 p.m. local time (0520 gmt) after the entry approval was given by authorities in that neighboring country, said Dr. Surachet.
He said the strict procudures and difficulties in coordination caused the delay not because Myanmar was not welcome the team.
The first plane transported medicines and medical equipment weighting eight tons while the second one carried 30 doctors and nurses and a group of journalists.
He said doctors who left this afternoon could be divided into two categories – treating wounds, including surgery, and providing counsel for mental stressed.
The medical teams are expected to stay in Myanmar until May 31 to provide treatment to victims of Cyclone Nargis which battered the country on May 3, he said.