Thai Air Force C-130 aircraft to carry relief aid to Japan quake, tsunami victims

BANGKOK, March 17 — Two Royal Thai Air Force C-130 aircraft will leave Bangkok tonight to carry relief aid to Japan to help victims affected by the destructive earthquake and massive tsunami last weekend,now estimated to have killed at least 5,000 people along the battered east coast of Honshu Island.

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Civil Affairs Deputy Director Group Capt Mana Prasopsri said the RTAF had arranged three C-130 transport aircraft, two will leave on Thursday night at 22.00pm and another one on Friday night at 22.00pm.

Group Capt Mana said the first two aircraft, carrying relief aid, were expected to arrive Japan at 8am Thai time, and after completing their missions, would return carrying Thai citizens who wished to return home.

MCOT