Chinese foundations donate medical supplies to Thailand to help fight COVID-19

The first batch of medical supplies donated by Chinese foundations arrives in Bangkok, Thailand, March 25, 2020. Medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation were formally received by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health at a handover ceremony on Thursday. The foundations shipped the first batch of supplies including face masks, protective suits and face shields via a specially chartered flight. The 17-ton supplies arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Xinhua)

Medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation were formally received by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health at a handover ceremony on Thursday.

The foundations shipped the first batch of supplies including face masks, protective suits and face shields via a specially chartered flight. The 17-ton supplies arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and minister of public health, took receipt of the donations from James Dong, CEO of Lazada Thailand in representation of the two foundations.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization of Thailand, will transport and distribute the supplies across the nation.

"Thailand is faced with a time of unprecedented challenges like many countries around the world, however we are determined to win the fight against the pandemic. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation for their timely and much-needed assistance as we are making our best efforts to adjust to a rapidly evolving situation," said Charnvirakul.

Thailand declared a nation-wide state of emergency to fight the coronavirus pandemic, effective from Wednesday mid-night until April 30.

Under the emergency decree, all foreigners are banned from entry at all entry points. The only exceptions will be shippers, diplomats, drivers, pilots and others permitted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Thailand reported 111 new coronavirus infections, taking its tally to 1,045, the government said on Twitter Thursday.

"We hope the donations will help Thailand to contain Covid-19 ... The biggest challenge is getting medical supplies to where it is needed in the fastest way possible, but we are working very hard to get it done," said Dong.

A second batch of medical supplies will be dispatched later this week.

Editor: John Li