Xi: Spare no efforts in searching for missing tourists in Thailand

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday asked rescue teams to spare no efforts in search and rescue operations for the missing tourists in a boat accident off Thailand's southern resort island of Phuket.

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stressed that it is important to ensure the safety of Chinese people traveling overseas.

The boat, carrying mainly Chinese tourists, capsized on Thursday afternoon after encountering rough seas.

Among the 127 Chinese passengers, 16 are confirmed dead, 78 rescued and 33 are still missing. The search and rescue work is still underway.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand are working with the authorities in Thailand to find the missing Chinese tourists and treat the injured.

At present, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have established a joint work team to participate in the rescue work on Phuket.

(Cover: A team of Chinese divers from southern Chinese city of Guangzhou arrive at Chalong Pier, Thailand, to assist in the rescue operation following the capsizing of tourist boat Phoenix in Phuket, July 8, 2018. /VCG Photo)