Thailand on alert as PM warns of potential aftershocks after quake
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra warns of potential aftershocks following earthquake | The Nation/Asia News Network
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued an urgent nationwide alert, warning the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks following Friday’s earthquake, with the possibility of a recurrence within 24 hours.
Speaking from Phuket, the Prime Minister has ordered a coordinated response across all government ministries to address the developing situation.
Immediate actions have been taken to inform and protect the public. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been instructed to deploy SMS alerts providing essential safety guidelines.
READ: ‘Mass casualty’ after magnitude 7.7 quake strikes Myanmar, Thailand
Simultaneously, public service announcements are being broadcast across all media platforms.
Security forces have been mobilized to ensure public safety, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is assessing the seismic activity and forecasting potential future tremors.
Experts have advised that aftershocks are common in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, typically within the first two hours. Although these are usually less intense, statistical data indicates a risk of a further significant earthquake within the next 24 hours.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Magnitude 7.7 Myanmar-Thailand earthquake
The Ministry of Transport is monitoring all travel infrastructure. Suvarnabhumi Airport briefly suspended flight operations for 20 minutes as a precautionary measure, but services have since resumed.
People try to enter a construction site where a building collapsed in Bangkok on March 28, 2025, after an earthquake. Agence France-Presse
The Ministry of Public Health has placed medical facilities and emergency services on standby, ready to respond to any potential casualties. The public is urged to stay informed through 24-hour updates on NBT (National Broadcasting Services of Thailand).
The Prime Minister, who is cutting short her visit to Phuket to return to Bangkok, has advised residents of high-rise buildings to avoid using lifts and seek open spaces.
“All relevant ministries have been activated,” the Prime Minister stated. “We urge the public to remain calm but vigilant. Schools have been dismissed early for the safety of students. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.”
