PHUKET : The Thai government is beginning to scale down its massive search and recovery operations in tsunami-afflicted areas of southern Thailand.
These are now being replaced by more focused searches in specific areas, like Khao Lak in the Phang Nga Province.
Singapore's Chief of Air Force Lim Kim Choon flew in to Phuket on Wednesday to meet his Thai counterparts to better understand how the Republic of Singapore Air Force can help in the coming days.
The Singapore helicopters stationed in Phuket, Thailand, have flown more than 60 hours over the past six days, as part of the humanitarian relief and recovery operation.
While two Chinooks have left, the two remaining Super Pumas continue to support the Thai relief efforts.
Operating out of Phuket airport, the RSAF crew has flown more than 30 missions, carrying over 1,200 kilogrammes of relief supplies.
They have also flown more than 500 relief workers and Disaster Victim Identification workers to disaster sites.
Vice-Admiral Thana Bunnak of the Thai 3rd Naval Area Fleet expressed his gratitude to General Lim for Singapore's assistance.
The Thai Air Unit of the Navy, which is working directly with the RSAF detachment, also appreciates its efforts.
Captain Kiatkul Suwan, Commanding Officer of Air Unit in the 3rd Area Command, said: "The RSAF and our navy work very closely and we are really appreciative of the RSAF's support for this relief effort."
Flying over the disaster-struck zones, it is apparent the focus now is to clean the sites and begin with reconstruction.
According to the RSAF, the Thai government has indicated that in the days to come, more ground support assets will be needed.
Major-General Lim Kim Choon, Chief of RSAF, said: "This operation is essential as Thailand is part of the ASEAN family, and we will continue to support the relief and recovery effort as long as there is a need."
Singapore's humanitarian assistance to the Thais is a testament to the close relationship between the two countries.
The Singapore government has also promised that as long as there is a need, the resources will remain in Thailand until the Thai government calls off the operation. - CNA