On April 4, 2025, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health of Thailand, announced that the Ministry is considering sending a medical team to Myanmar to assist with the aftermath of recent disasters. This decision follows a request from Myanmar’s government for medical support in the wake of significant damage reported in the cities of Naypyidaw and Mandalay.
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has prepared an Emergency Medical Team (EMT Type I), comprising 40 personnel divided into two teams, ready to deploy. Mr. Wichai Chaimongkol, an advisor to the Minister, is set to lead the team due to his extensive experience, including previous missions to Myanmar during the Nargis cyclone disaster.
In his statement, Mr. Somsak emphasized that the deployment of the medical team is contingent upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' directives. "We are preparing for the situation, but if sending our team becomes too burdensome, we won’t go," he stated, highlighting the importance of both humanitarian assistance and maintaining international relations.
Concerns have been raised by the Medical Council and the Union of Medical Practitioners regarding the safety of sending civilian doctors to a region currently experiencing internal conflict. They argue that military-trained medical personnel should be deployed instead, given the unstable conditions in Myanmar. General Dr. Itthaporn Kanjanarin, Secretary-General of the Medical Council, expressed on social media that military doctors are specifically trained to operate in war zones or disaster situations, making them more suitable for such missions.
In response to these concerns, Mr. Somsak reiterated that the Ministry is acting as a supportive entity, not a leading one. "We are following the requests of the Foreign Ministry, and we will prepare ourselves accordingly," he said. He also acknowledged the presence of young individuals in Myanmar who are eager to learn and assist.
Additionally, Dr. Thawi Silp Visanuyothin, Director-General of the Department of Public Health, noted that the department has a history of responding to emergencies, including the 2004 tsunami and the Nargis cyclone. He confirmed that the EMT team has undergone rigorous training and is equipped to operate mobile emergency rooms in compliance with World Health Organization standards.
As preparations continue, the Department of Public Health is coordinating with various hospitals, including Rajavithi Hospital, Lerdsin Hospital, and Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, to ensure that the team is well-prepared for deployment. The team had recently returned from a field training exercise in Prachinburi, which took place between March 26 and 28, where they also provided assistance during a structural collapse incident.
Dr. Thawi explained the operational plan for the EMT team, stating that each team will typically work in the field for 7 to 10 days before rotating out for a new group. This rotation is designed to maintain a continuous presence and ensure that experienced personnel remain involved in the operation.
As the situation evolves, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to assess the security conditions in Myanmar on April 5, 2025. They will evaluate the feasibility of sending the Thai medical team based on the current circumstances and safety considerations. Mr. Somsak emphasized that any deployment will be voluntary, ensuring that all personnel are willing participants in the mission.
In the meantime, the Ministry is preparing a situational analysis and gathering necessary data to facilitate the deployment. This includes logistical considerations such as transportation and equipment needs, as well as health assessments to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the team.
As the world watches closely, the Thai government’s response reflects a commitment to humanitarian aid while navigating the complexities of international relations and safety in conflict zones. The decision to send medical assistance to Myanmar underscores Thailand's role in regional cooperation and support during crises.
Overall, while the readiness of the Thai medical team is evident, the final decision to deploy remains in the hands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with safety and humanitarian principles guiding their actions.
