Bangkok assesses damage, calls for confidence in strong, stable Thai economic system

Following the earthquake that occurred on March 28 in central Myanmar, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced a detailed damage assessment in the Thai capital.

The most serious impact after the earthquake in Myanmar was recorded at construction sites, especially the complete collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district. (Source: AFP)

Accordingly, the most serious impact was recorded at construction sites, especially the complete collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district.

Governor Chadchart also reassured people about the possibility of aftershocks, saying that the next tremors would be weaker and the epicenter would be far from Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thai government are ready to respond to any situation.

Preliminary reports show that 169 other buildings have cracks, but no major structural damage has been reported. Bangkok authorities have set up an emergency response system, allowing residents to report damage via the Traffy Fondue app or hotline 1555 to be inspected by volunteer engineers.

The top priority now is to ensure the safety of medical facilities. Hospitals have activated emergency procedures, ready to evacuate patients if necessary. Mild patients are encouraged to be discharged to reduce the load, while emergency cases are treated as a priority.

Regarding public transportation, both the subway (MRT) and skytrain (BTS) systems have been temporarily suspended for safety checks. The MRT is expected to resume operations on the morning of March 29, while the BTS needs more time to evaluate due to technical issues.

On the same day, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) expressed solidarity with the victims and provided consular assistance to Mexican citizens in the affected area, and set up a hotline at the Mexican Embassy in Singapore to assist citizens.

* In a statement on March 28, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said that the earthquake that occurred in the early afternoon of the same day in neighboring Myanmar did not have a significant impact on Thailand's economy and financial system.

Mr. Pichai stated that the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation, adding that the earthquake did not affect the operations of government agencies, state banks or Thailand's financial system.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pichai noted that the Ministry of Finance has implemented precautionary measures to inspect its buildings and systems to increase confidence in the safety of public servants and the public, while ensuring smooth financial operations.

The ministry is also carefully assessing the situation and looking for ways to support the victims affected by the earthquake as soon as possible, accordingly, seven state-owned financial institutions have been instructed to take measures to ease the financial burden and increase financial liquidity for the victims, such as low-interest loans, loan guarantees or debt repayment periods.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Insurance Commission has been instructed to cooperate with the Thai Life Insurance Association and the Thai General Insurance Association to monitor the earthquake and be ready to assist insurance companies.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pichai stressed that the public, investors and business people should be confident that the Thai economic system is strong and stable, and that government agencies are ready to take all necessary measures to manage the situation carefully and effectively. The Ministry of Finance will closely monitor the situation and provide further information if there are any developments.

* On March 28, US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with officials in Myanmar about the earthquake that occurred in the country and announced that his administration would provide some form of assistance.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Trump affirmed: "We will help."

On the same day, according to a source familiar with the matter, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will send several teams to Thailand to support recovery efforts after the earthquake that occurred in Southeast Asia.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dong-dat-o-myanmar-thu-do-bangkok-danh-gia-thiet-hai-keu-goi-tin-tuong-vao-he-thong-kinh-te-thai-lan-manh-me-on-dinh-309235.html