Thailand will hold an international meeting in late January to discuss the establishment of a tsunami warning system in Indian Ocean.

The meeting, to be held on January 29, will be attended by ministers in charge of science and technology from tsunami-affected countries in the region, said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Other countries, including the United States and Thailand, will also send their delegations to the meeting to provide assistance on the issue, the state-run Thai News Agency on Monday quoted Sihasak as saying.

The meeting, venue of which yet to decide, is following up the tsunami international meeting held in Jakarta on January 6, when leaders of the region pledged support for a tsunami warning system for Indian Ocean.

The devastating tsunami triggered by an underneath earthquake has caused over 150,000 deaths. Many believed the disaster could be avoided if there was a warning system.

Such a system, which can detect earthquake and issue warning for tsunami when it reaches certain degree, has operated in Pacific Ocean regions.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2005)