On May 8, 2025, the Thai government made a significant humanitarian contribution of 3 million baht to UNICEF, aiming to support children and families affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This donation, presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is earmarked for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project in areas that suffered the most from the disaster.
The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Natsawan Phinthusuda, an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who handed over the funds to Mr. Kyongsun Kim, the representative of UNICEF Thailand. In her remarks, Ms. Kim expressed gratitude towards the Thai government for their timely support, stating, "The concern shown by the Thai government during this difficult time reflects a spirit of kindness towards children and families in Myanmar." She emphasized that the funds would enable UNICEF to deliver urgent assistance to children facing severe hardships and at high risk of disease and displacement.
Five weeks following the earthquake, approximately 6.3 million people, including nearly 2 million children, still require urgent humanitarian assistance. Many families are living in overcrowded temporary shelters, lacking access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The damage to water supply systems, along with contaminated water sources, has left communities in dire need of clean water. Additionally, the majority of temporary shelters lack basic sanitation and hygiene facilities.
The situation is further exacerbated by the early onset of the rainy season, which increases the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, malaria, measles, and skin diseases. UNICEF and its partners have been rapidly scaling up humanitarian assistance, providing clean water to over 565,000 people through the distribution of water purification equipment and hygiene kits to more than 300,000 individuals.
Thailand's contribution will allow UNICEF to continue these efforts, including repairing water supply systems and installing toilets and handwashing stations in the hardest-hit communities. Reports indicate that over 64,000 toilets have been destroyed, and there is a rising incidence of acute diarrhea among the affected populations, necessitating immediate measures to prevent further outbreaks.
Before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar, including 6.4 million children, were already in need of humanitarian assistance due to conflict, climate-related disasters, displacement, and poverty. This crisis has further compounded an already dire situation.
In addition to WASH initiatives, UNICEF is also focusing on other urgent needs, including child protection, education, nutrition, and mental health support, to help communities recover sustainably and strengthen resilience in the long term.
Meanwhile, on May 9, 2025, the Minister of Justice, Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, presided over the distribution of humanitarian aid to victims of the earthquake that caused the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building. During this event, financial assistance was provided to 21 individuals affected by the tragedy.
Mr. Sunthorn Phayakong, Secretary-General of the Lawyers Council, along with other officials, attended the ceremony where the Minister highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of those impacted by the disaster. The assistance included 1 million baht for the deceased and 200,000 baht for the injured, aimed at providing humanitarian aid unrelated to any legal proceedings.
Pol. Col. Tawee noted that the ITD-CREC joint venture, comprising Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Limited, had expressed their intention to assist the victims through the Ministry of Justice and the Lawyers Council. Despite the ongoing investigation into the cause of the building's collapse, the joint venture sought to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the affected individuals.
As of the latest reports, the joint venture has set up two committees to facilitate legal assistance for victims and to oversee the distribution of financial aid. The first phase of this aid saw 21 individuals receiving support, with further evaluations underway to ensure that all victims are accounted for and receive the necessary assistance.
In another development, on May 10, 2025, the Center for the Prevention and Suppression of Disaster in Saemong District received reports of severe weather causing damage to over 20 homes in the area. The local authorities, led by District Chief Mr. Siripong Nampha, have been mobilized to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected families.
Reports indicate that the storm resulted in significant roof damage to residential buildings, prompting immediate action to repair the affected homes. Local leaders have been instructed to conduct thorough assessments of the damages and expedite relief efforts to assist the victims.
As the rainy season progresses, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas. The government is committed to providing support and resources to help families recover from the impact of the storm.
In summary, the Thai government's commitment to humanitarian assistance in response to both the earthquake in Myanmar and the recent storms in Saemong District showcases its dedication to supporting vulnerable communities. With ongoing efforts from UNICEF and local authorities, there is hope for recovery and resilience in the face of these challenges.
