FM: Chinese officials heading to Thailand to help tourists

Of all the 133 tourists on the two boats that capsized in Phuket, 127 were Chinese, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

Of the Chinese tourists, 78 were rescued, 33 were missing and 16 were found dead, Lu said, adding that some of the injured have been rushed to hospital.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping has made important instructions, Lu said.

According to Lu, the Foreign Ministry has set up a team consisting of officials from various ministries, which is heading to Thailand.

Also, a team consisting of officials from the Chinese embassy and consulates in Thailand has arrived in Phuket, while the consulate general in Songkhla is organizing volunteers to provide assistance in local hospitals that are treating survivors.

The governor of Phuket has arrived on the scene of the accident to instruct rescue operations, and Thai departments, including the Thai Navy, have joined the rescue, Lu said.

The spokesman expressed China's gratitude to Thailand for its active search and rescue, and said China hopes Thailand will continue trying its best to search for and rescue those who are missing, and work to treat the injured and console family members of the tourists.

The peak season for Chinese people to travel abroad has started in July, Lu said, warning tourists to stay more vigilant to risks, treat seriously safety alerts issued by local authorities and arrange schedules carefully.