Haiti appeals launched to boost 'stingy' aid donation

Amid criticism the government was too slow and too stingy in responding to the calamity in Haiti, the private sector and charities have launched drives for contributions in cash and kind from concerned citizens.

The catastrophe killed more than 50,000 people and injured some 250,000 in the country last week, according to the Haitian government's estimate.

The Thai government's offer of $20,000 (Bt657,000) was too little to contribute anything to international efforts to redress the huge damage.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban earlier defended the government's assessment, saying the $20,000 was preliminary and the Cabinet could approve more if really needed.

The Thai Red Cross opened an account at Siam Commercial Bank to receive cash donations from citizens wishing to contribute to international relief efforts.

Sorayudh Sutassanajinda, a popular television anchor, also opened a bank account to mobilise funds to help survivors in devastated Haiti.

Some Bt6 million have already been deposited in the accounts and many famous figures have volunteered to donate significant sums to Sorayudh's account, a staff member said.

"Most donors transferred hundreds of baht each to the account while many big names have expressed their willingness to donate as much as hundreds of thousands or even a million into the account," she said.

Several mobile phone operators are considering accepting donations via a short message.

The idea is similar to sending a text to reality television shows. For example, by texting the word "Haiti" to the TV programme, Bt10 would automatically go into the account for Haiti relief.

 The senders would settle the bill for the SMS donations with the mobile phone companies later.

Chaturon Chaisaeng, an acting leader of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, made a plea via Twitter for contributions from Thais to help quake victims in Haiti.

Many people posted on Twitter that cash was easier to handle than heavy stuff since Haiti is far away from Thailand.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said the Foreign Ministry would call a meeting tomorrow to brainstorm with government agencies on how to help quake-ravaged Haiti.

"We have to wait for the damage assessment from the United Nations and then consider sending what the country really needs," he said.

The ministry might ask the Cabinet for more budget to help the Haitians and prepare medical personnel to join international relief efforts, he said.

If rehabilitation was needed, the government would dispatch troops to help, he said.