May 14, 2008
Bangkok - A Thai man who traveled to China has gone missing when a coach he took entered the earthquake epicenter Wenchuan.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mr. Tharit Charungvat revealed the lost man is Mr. Khanit Ruenromthavornsom from Yala province.
Khanit and his elder sister traveled to Shenzhen. He separately bought a local tour to Jiuzhaigou after his sister had come back to Thailand.
Khanit came back to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou on May 12. The coach he took was in Wenchuan County where the earthquake epicenter was, and connection was lost.
The Chinese government has already rescued 200-300 tourists.
Foreign Ministry is checking if Khanit is among the rescued tourists or not, and is contacting his family in Yala province.
There are three groups of tourist in Sichuan province. Two groups or about 37 Thais will still travel on while another group or 14 Thais will come back to Thailand this evening.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport will today open for the first time for international flights.
Foreign Ministry is now able to contact Khanit, saying he is safe there.
