The Prime Minister immediately convened an emergency meeting via a conference system to monitor developments and coordinate the response.
The earthquake, which originated in Myanmar, impacted several northern regions of Thailand, including Bangkok. Reports emerged of a building collapse in Chatuchak District, prompting the Ministry of Interior to declare Bangkok an emergency zone.
PM Paetongtarn also issued warnings for all provinces to remain on high alert to ensure timely assistance to affected residents.
As part of immediate response measures, Prime Minister Paetongtarn directed the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to send SMS alerts with safety guidelines to the public.
Additionally, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior were mobilised to safeguard public safety, particularly by monitoring and forecasting potential aftershocks, which were expected within the first two hours following the main quake.
The Ministry of Transport temporarily delayed flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport for 20 minutes to conduct safety assessments. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health has deployed emergency medical teams to high-risk areas, and schools nationwide have been ordered to close as a precautionary measure.
The Prime Minister also urged residents of high-rise buildings to avoid using elevators and instead use stairs for safety.
Reassuring the public, the Prime Minister emphasised that the government and relevant agencies are taking swift action to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
She urged people to remain vigilant but not to panic, and to follow official instructions.
The public can stay informed through continuous updates on NBT TV, which will provide real-time coverage of the situation, the PM said.
BEFORE EARTHQUAKE ALERT
Before the emergency call interrupted her schedule, Prime Minister Paetongtarn was chairing a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The session was dedicated to reviewing Phuket’s development policies and budgeting for sustainable tourism initiatives.
During the meeting, provincial officials and private sector representatives presented their proposals for funding.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat outlined 14 key projects across three major areas, requesting a total budget of B1.197.87 billion.
The projects included improvements to traffic and electricity infrastructure, measures to address water management and flood prevention, and additional funding for the construction of a radiotherapy building at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports also proposed positioning Phuket as a premier global tourist destination. Plans were discussed to expand Phuket International Airport 2, to be built in Phang Nga, to accommodate growing tourist numbers, as well as to enlarge the cruise port area to attract high-end travelers.
Prime Minister Paethongtarn acknowledged the proposals and instructed relevant agencies to advance Phuket’s development while ensuring that tourism growth aligns with environmental conservation and sustainable living standards, said an official report of the meeting.
However, as the earthquake crisis unfolded, she had to leave the meeting abruptly to oversee the emergency response efforts.
Officials continue to monitor the situation in Bangkok and across affected areas, with emergency teams on high alert to provide necessary assistance and ensure public safety.