'We are very grateful': PM Wong thanks Thailand for SQ321 help
The prime ministers of Singapore and Thailand - Lawrence Wong (left) and Srettha Thavisin - spoke on May 28, 2024. (Photos: Ministry of Communications and Information/Betty Chua, X/Srettha Thavisin)
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SINGAPORE: When the turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321 was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thai authorities swiftly provided aid to the injured passengers and crew.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in a call with his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday (May 28), thanked the Thai government for its help.
"Called Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin this morning to convey my appreciation and thanks to the Thai Government for the assistance rendered to Singapore Airlines flight 321," wrote Mr Wong in a Facebook post.
"Thai authorities and agencies helped to evacuate the passengers and crew, and to provide medical care for the injured," he said. "We are very grateful for the support."
The Boeing 777-300ER jet - carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members - was forced to divert to Bangkok towards the tail end of its London-Singapore route after encountering severe turbulence.
The incident on May 21 left many people injured, with some experiencing brain and spinal cord injuries. A 73-year-old British man, believed to have had a heart attack, died.
In an update on Tuesday night, SIA said 45 passengers from SQ321 are still in the Thai capital, including 28 who are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
In a post on X, Mr Srettha said: "I reiterated our readiness to provide assistance and support to those still recuperating in Thailand."
Mr Srettha also said he had extended an invitation to Mr Wong to pay an official visit to Thailand during their call.
In his Facebook post, Mr Wong thanked Mr Srettha for his congratulatory message on becoming prime minister.
Mr Wong said the two countries "share warm and friendly relations, underpinned by regular high-level visits, extensive economic links, and frequent interactions at the people-to-people level".
"I look forward to working closely with him to elevate our bilateral and regional cooperation, especially as we mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025."
