An official with the Thai Embassy to China said Wednesday that two Chinese nationals were killed and 25 wounded by the devastating tidal waves that struck Thailand and several other countries Sunday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said one of those killed was from Hong Kong, the other from Taiwan Province.

Sakarn Suthipradit, minister of the Thai Embassy, told a press conference that the Thai Foreign Ministry organized a special flight on Dec. 26 to the famous resort island Phuket to provide assistance for foreign nationals on matters regarding immigration, transit and flights back to their respective countries.

"The Thai prime minister has authorized the foreign ministry to advance traveling expenses for tourists who have lost their documents and personal belongings to return to their countries, as well as expenses on returning the deceased bodies to their respective countries," said Sakarn.

Sakarn expressed cordial thanks to the assistance provided by international community, including China.

"The Thai government highlights the need for medical and forensic experts as well as supplies including body bags, embalming chemicals, freezer containers, first aid kits, anti- diarrhea and anti-biotic medicine, canned food, power generators and water purifiers," Sakarn said.

Sakarn said the information and photos of missing persons could be obtained at website www.phuketitcity.com; and the websites to check for other rescue information are http://ems.narenthorn.or.th, www.moph.go.th, www.disaster.go.th.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2004)