BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday sent condolence messages to Indonesian and Thai leaders.

In his message to Indonesian President Dato Laila Utama Joko Widodo, the monarch said he was sad to hear of the Trigana Air plane crash in Papua, which killed all 54 people aboard.

His Majesty said the government and people of Brunei join him in expressing their condolences and sympathies to the president as well as the Indonesian government and people, especially families of the victims.

The Sultan hoped the affected families will stay strong in dealing with the disaster.

Meanwhile, His Majesty condemned the deadly blast outside a shrine in central Bangkok.

In his message to Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the monarch said he was shocked to learn of the blast that has resulted in loss of lives.

The blast has killed at least 20 people, with 123 injured.

His Majesty also extended his deepest sympathies and condolences to the prime minister, the government and people of Thailand, especially to the bereaved families.

The Brunei Times