King and Queen send their condolences

King and Queen send their condolences

Local residents wait in line for food and goods at a distribution center in Mashiki, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan. (AP photo)
Local residents wait in line for food and goods at a distribution center in Mashiki, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan. (AP photo)

Their Majesties the King and Queen on Saturday sent a letter of condolence to Emperor Akihito of Japan following the twin deadly earthquakes which struck the southwestern island of Kyushu.

"The Queen and I are profoundly distressed by reports of the catastrophic earthquake which caused loss of lives, severe injuries and extensive damage to infrastructure and property," the letter said.

"We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Your Majesty, the Japanese people and particularly to the bereaved families."

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday also sent a letter to his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, to express his sympathy for those affected.

"I am conveying our deepest sympathies to your government and the people of Japan for the sudden losses caused by such a frightening disaster," he wrote.

"Our prayers go to the people of Kumamoto and the affected areas with a profound hope that they all can wholly recover and resume their normal lives."

The prime minister also noted the government stands ready to provide assistance to Japan if requested.

No Thais were reported killed or injured in the earthquakes, according to the Foreign Ministry, which was citing information from the Thai embassy in Tokyo.

The embassy has set up a coordinating centre to monitor the situation and offer help to any Thai nationals in quake-hit areas.

The Thai ambassador to Japan, Bhakavat Tansakul, and embassy officials travelled to the affected region yesterday to provide assistance to Thai nationals there. They are working with staff from the Thai consulate in Osaka, as well as volunteers.

The embassy has called on Thais in the affected area to monitor news updates and to comply with advice from Japanese authorities.

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