THAILAND, MALAYSIA COORDINATE WITH MYANMAR ON EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, April 6 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Malaysia are closely coordinating with Myanmar to mobilise and manage international assistance following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28. 

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said he had agreed with Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair, 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 coordinator.

“In the initial phase, Thailand will focus on the affected areas in Mandalay, while Malaysia will concentrate on areas in Sagaing,” he said via his official X account on Sunday.

On Saturday, Maris and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, symbolising close ASEAN cooperation in humanitarian response and reflecting regional solidarity and support for the people of Myanmar.

Maris also expressed his appreciation to Mohamad for the invitation to join the ASEAN humanitarian mission to Myanmar.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to discuss ways to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Myanmar people affected by the recent 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.

“Myanmar’s current priorities include mobile medical teams and support, temporary shelters, sanitation items, water purifiers, and essential medical supplies to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.

Maris added that he was also pleased to visit a mobile medical clinic operated by the Thai military medical team, which had provided services to many local residents.

He also presided over the handover of relief items 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,” he said.

On March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Region at around 1 pm local time, followed by a tremor measuring 6.4 in magnitude.

-- BERNAMA