Bangkok Post Monday 13 October 2003 – Thai door-knock wins Iraqi hearts: “Thai door-knock wins Iraqi hearts, Villagers’ gunfire a hearty welcome
Thai troops helping rebuild Iraq have gone visiting in Karbala, surprising local people by knocking on their doors and offering assistance. The unit’s commander, Col Boonchu Kerdchoke, said they were the first foreign troops to make such a gesture in Karbala and were warmly received by the Iraqis. In a telephone interview, the 45-year-old special forces officer said 371 of the 447-strong Thai reconstruction contingent had now arrived in Karbala, with four other officers stationed in Babil to coordinate work with Polish troops. Another 72 Thais were due to arrive from Kuwait today with engineering equipment.
Col Boonchu said four army nurses had accompanied his men on visits to the villagers’ homes. They were accompanied by interpreters who explained the Thai troops were there to help rebuild the town and if they wanted help they need only ask.
“The first time we went to their homes, they fired their guns into the air,” he said. “We were a bit concerned at first because we didn’t expect it, but they explained it was a customary way to extend us a welcome.”
Most of the Iraqis had given the Thais a warm welcome, he said.
“They told us we were very brave because we were the first foreign troops to come to talk to them at their homes.
“I told my interpreter to tell them we were there to rebuild their town and the army nurses were there to look after them. I said whatever help they needed, they should tell us.”
The troops also handed out food and medicine and explained their mission to local civil and religious leaders.
The most pressing request was to rebuild damaged schools, he said. Planning would start immediately.
Of the 443 soldiers to be stationed in Karbala, 250 are army engineers, 50 are from the special forces, 76 are doctors and nurses (including a woman navy cook), 32 forward command troops, and 35 support troops. They are likely to be in Iraq for a year, though some will be rotated after six months. The troops are being paid a daily allowance of 2,100 baht, with the operation costing 800 million baht.”
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