SA sends help for citizens stranded after earthquake hits Thailand and Myanmar

THE South African government has sent its ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Ephraim Africa, to assist the country’s citizens stuck in Myanmar, following an earthquake that has left over a thousand people dead.

- GCWALISILE KHANYILE and KAREN SINGH

Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said they accredited Africa because South Africa does not have a mission in Myanmar.

He said Myanmar was a state that they did not recognise because its government was a military junta.

He added that engaging the Myanmar government and processing the information about South Africans, who may be affected by the earthquake, was complicated.

“We rely on Thailand authorities to keep us informed about happenings on that side, and South Africans as well. And if they don’t do so, it really makes it very difficult to track and trace our citizens.”