China on Wednesday donated US$300,000 to the Thai government for disaster relief in the kingdom's southwestern coast hit by Asia's tsunami.

The donation, exchanged into a check of 1.2 million baht, was handed by Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jiuhuan to Thai Froeign Minister Surakiat Sathirathai on Wednesday afternoon.

Zhang extended condolence of the Chinese government and people to Surakiat and wished the donation can help relieve local people's suffering from the disaster and rebuild their home soon.

"China has always taken Thailand's problem as its own and is ready to help the kingdom when needed," said the ambassador at the brief handing event.

Surakiat thanked the donation and friendship of China on behalf of the Thai government and people.

He said the Chinese leaders have promptly sent their condolence to Thailand after learning the disaster and the Chinese government is among the first to make the donation.

Thailand will remember the help and friendship of China, which will greatly boost morale of the affected areas, said Surakiat.

So far, the Thai authorities have confirmed 1,574 deaths caused in the disaster and initial estimate of direct economic loss stands around UD$750 million.

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2004)