More than 4,000 bodies found in Thailand's Phangnga

The death toll from the tidal wave disaster in south Thailand continued escalating while Phangnga alone reported the figure at 4,000, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti Friday.

He was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying that more than 20,000 tourists were vacationing in the tsunami-hit Khao Lak of Phangnga last Sunday when the deadly waves smashed the scenic coastal town.

Suwit has been assigned to supervise rescue works in this southern province.

More volunteers would be needed to help search for more bodies, Suwit said, adding that the Public Health Ministry has set up a one-stop service center inside a building near Yanyao Temple to facilitate rescue operations.

He added that the Public Health Ministry was working on measures to prevent the spread of diseases which should be under control.

Source: Xinhua