THAILAND and Malaysia have joined forces with Myanmar to coordinate international relief efforts following the powerful earthquake that struck the country on March 28.
The two nations are working closely with Myanmar authorities to mobilise assistance for those affected by the disaster.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed that he and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, had agreed to coordinate with Myanmar on the delivery of international aid, with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) serving as the central hub for organising relief.
“In the initial phase, Thailand will focus on the affected areas in Mandalay, while Malaysia will concentrate on areas in Sagaing,” Maris said in a statement via his official X account on Sunday.
On Saturday, Maris and Mohamad led a joint humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital, in a show of ASEAN unity and support for the earthquake victims.
The visit highlighted regional solidarity and marked the collective commitment of ASEAN members to provide aid to Myanmar.
Maris expressed gratitude to his Malaysian counterpart for the invitation to participate in the mission, which was aimed at facilitating the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the earthquake.
“During the visit, Thai and Malaysian delegations held fruitful discussions with the Myanmar authorities, the AHA Centre, and UN agencies, which provided valuable information necessary for mobilising aid to the affected population,” Maris explained.
He noted that Myanmar's immediate priorities for aid include mobile medical teams, temporary shelters, sanitation items, water purifiers, and essential medical supplies to prevent disease outbreaks.
Maris also visited a mobile medical clinic operated by the Thai military medical team, which had been providing vital services to local residents.
He also oversaw the handover of relief supplies from the Thai Red Cross Society to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.
“I commend the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Thai private sector for their swift response to the earthquake in Myanmar, which reflects Thailand’s constructive role in supporting our neighbouring country—a role that is appreciated by the Myanmar people,” Maris said.
The earthquake, which struck at 1 pm local time on March 28, measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, followed by a secondary tremor with a magnitude of 6.4. The tremors caused significant damage, particularly in the Sagaing Region, prompting a widespread humanitarian response.
Death Toll Rises
Meniwhile, the death toll from Myanmar's 7.9-magnitude earthquake rose to 3,471 as of Saturday, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Sunday, according to Xinhua.
According to the report, the earthquake has also injured 4,671 people and left 214 missing as of Saturday.
It added that local and international rescue organisations had rescued 653 people trapped in buildings after the earthquake, and 682 bodies had been retrieved from the rubble.– April 6, 2025
