Indonesia and Thailand Establish Funds for Tsunami Victims

These two news items may be of interest. First, from Thailand's embassy in Washington:

ROYAL THAI EMBASSY ESTABLISHES FUND FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

(WASHINGTON, JANUARY 11, 2005) On December 26, an earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter Scale caused a tsunami that devastated the southern part of Thailand. As of January 7, the estimated death toll in Thailand was 5,305, while 3,498 still remained missing and at least 8,457 were injured. Those estimates are expected to rise.

President George W. Bush, with his wife Laura Bush and former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton by his side visited the Royal Thai Embassy on Monday, January 3. Signing the Book of Condolences, President Bush wrote, “We pray for the victims and families of this epic disaster. The American people and government stand with you as you recover and rebuild.” During this visit to the Embassy, George W. Bush called on Americans to aid the Asian tsunami victims. The U.S. government is soliciting private donations to assist relief efforts through http://www.freedomcorp.gov.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush traveled to Asia to show their support for the earthquake and tsunami victims and to observe the aftermath of the disaster. Secretary Powell visited the region to assess recovery needs in the unprecedented disaster.

The Royal Thai Embassy has set up an account for those interested in making a personal donation through the Embassy to a relief fund for the tsunami victims. Donations can be made through Royal Thai Embassy’s donation account information is as follows:

Routing Number: 054001220
Account Number: 2000020745479
Swift Code: PNBPUS33

Wachovia Bank
1300 I Street, NW
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

Additionally, personal checks and money orders should be sent directly to:

The Royal Thai Embassy
1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007

For additional information regarding donations please consult the Embassy’s website.

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And this one from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington:

EMBASSY OF INDONESIA ESTABLISHES FUND FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

(WASHINGTON, JANUARY 11, 2005) On December 26, a 9.0-level earthquake near Sumatra caused a tsunami that devastated Indonesia. Most of the deaths were in the province of Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra Island.

President George W. Bush, with his wife Laura Bush and former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, visited the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday, January 3, to sign the Book of Condolences. During this visit to the Embassy, George W. Bush called on Americans to aid the Asian tsunami victims. Writing in the Embassy condolence book, he said, “May God bless all who suffer.” The U.S. government is soliciting private donations to assist relief efforts through http://www.freedomcorp.gov.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush traveled to Asia to show their support for the earthquake and tsunami victims and to observe the aftermath of the disaster. Secretary Powell visited Indonesia and other countries to assess recovery needs in the unprecedented disaster.

Retired U.S. Ambassador Joseph Melrose, a consultant to International Medical Corps, one of the many humanitarian groups working to alleviate the suffering caused by the disaster, said that “generosity is a longstanding American trait, and millions of dollars have already been raised through private organizations. Unfortunately, this is not yet enough to meet the needs of this crisis. Every dollar counts, and financial contributions can be channeled much more effectively than donations of clothing, food, or other goods.” The IMC sent a 25-person team to Indonesia last weekend.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia has set up an account for those interested in making a personal donation through the Embassy to a relief fund for the earthquake and tsunami victims. Donations can be made through the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The donation account information is as follows:

Account Name: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Routing Number: 054001204
Account Number: 020-874-82-642

Bank of America
730 15th Street, NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

For additional information regarding donations and for latest news updates, please consult the Embassy’s website.

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