Chaweewan Leowijuck, deputy director-general of the department, said the assistance was part of the government's plan to prevent bird-flu outbreaks in neighbouring countries and thus stop the disease reaching Thailand.

The programme focuses on providing basic necessary equipment and chemicals to eradicate the virus.

The Cabinet approved a budget of Bt5.34 million in 2005 to set up the project, but it will end this year.

The department has delivered chemicals and equipment such as gloves, masks, protective suits and goggles to Nou Nuth, under-secretary of state at the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry in Cambodia . In addition, experts have been sent to Cambodia to help its officials carry out faster inspections.

"The assistance is not only aimed at helping Cambodia undertake stronger protection measures but also to stop the spread of the virus throughout the region," Chaweewan said.