Thailand Sends Third Humanitarian Team to Myanmar Following Devastating Earthquake

In a powerful show of regional solidarity and compassion, Thailand has dispatched a third humanitarian response team to Myanmar to aid in disaster relief and medical support following the devastating March 28 earthquake. The mission, dubbed Operation Mandalay 82, underscores Thailand’s deep commitment to regional humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Operation Mandalay 82: Thailand’s Coordinated Relief Effort

On Saturday, Thailand deployed its third rotation of aid personnel under Operation Mandalay 82, which includes:

• 17 officers from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, responsible for logistics, coordination, communication, and security.
• A 30-member medical team from the Ministry of Public Health to provide essential healthcare services to affected communities.

The operation is spearheaded by the Royal Thai Armed Forces in close coordination with the Thai government, reinforcing a structured and strategic approach to humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

Ceremony Marks Thailand’s Dedication to Humanitarian Aid

A sendoff ceremony for the team was held at Wing 6 in Bangkok, presided over by Gen Ukrit Boontanont, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, also attended, commending the personnel for their service and highlighting Thailand’s enduring role in regional crisis response.

“This operation reflects Thailand’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia,” Dr. Opas said.

Medical and Engineering Aid Reaches Remote Areas

So far, Thailand’s medical teams have treated over 160 earthquake victims, focusing particularly on hard-to-reach rural areas. Meanwhile, Thai engineering units have built temporary shelters, installed essential lighting, and enhanced communication infrastructure for emergency responders.

In addition to medical and engineering support, both public and private donations from Thailand have been delivered to earthquake survivors, showcasing a nationwide mobilization of support.

Earthquake Devastation in Myanmar: The Latest Update

According to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), as of April 10:

• 3,603 fatalities have been confirmed in Myanmar.
• 141 people remain missing, with 4,817 injured.
• Nearly 200,000 individuals are displaced, requiring urgent humanitarian support.

Thailand, too, has felt the effects of the quake, with 30 reported deaths and 38 injuries within its borders.

A Model of Regional Cooperation

Thailand’s swift and strategic response demonstrates how Southeast Asian nations can collaborate during times of crisis. Through efforts like Operation Mandalay 82, Thailand continues to set an example of regional unity, empathy, and preparedness.

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