Thailand Reassures Public After Earthquake Concerns

On March 28, 2025, Thailand was shaken by a significant earthquake that raised concerns about its impact on the nation's economy and financial systems. In response to the public's anxiety, key economic and financial agencies, both public and private, convened to provide comprehensive information regarding the situation. This joint statement aimed to address various dimensions of the aftermath, including engineering safety, production sectors, exports, tourism, as well as financial markets.

As of March 31, 2025, the Stock Exchange of Thailand remained open, with officials assuring the public of the stability of the country’s infrastructure. Associate Professor Dr. Thanet Veerasiri, President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, confirmed that the structural integrity of buildings had not been significantly compromised by the earthquake. He emphasized that many buildings were designed to withstand seismic events, and the majority received a "green" assessment, indicating they were safe for use.

In the manufacturing sector, Kriangkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, stated that most industries had not suffered any adverse effects from the earthquake. "The essential infrastructure for production is operating normally, and the transportation of raw materials and finished products continues as usual," he noted. This sentiment was echoed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which reported that the tourism situation had returned to normal, allowing both locals and visitors to resume their daily activities without concern.

Dr. Rung Mallikamas, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Thailand, reassured the public that the payment systems and financial services, including the BahtNet system and mobile banking applications, were functioning normally. He added that the Bank of Thailand had instructed financial institutions to consider assistance for borrowers affected by the disaster, similar to the support provided during the floods of 2022.

Chuchat Pramoolphol, Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), expressed confidence that the OIC would ensure prompt and fair claims processing. He announced the establishment of a proactive insurance assistance center, where citizens could reach out via the OIC hotline at 1186 or the Chatbot @oicconnect at any time.

Regarding damage from building collapses, it was reported that most insurance companies had reinsured their risks with foreign insurers, thereby safeguarding the stability of Thai insurance companies, which are currently robust. Furthermore, Dr. Pornanong Busarakumtragul, Secretary-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), confirmed that trading systems on the stock exchange and other financial markets were operating as usual. The SEC has also relaxed reporting requirements for businesses affected by the earthquake.

Assadech Kongsiri, a board member and manager of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, stated that the fundamentals of listed companies remain strong. He assured that the business sector is capable of managing the situation and continuing operations without affecting their competitive edge. The stock exchange has prepared its systems and operations to ensure confidence in trading activities.

Public services, including airports and both underground and above-ground rail systems, reported no damage and are functioning normally. The Thai government continues to monitor the situation closely, assessing buildings and facilities while providing assistance to those affected.

In terms of seismic activity, the Earthquake Monitoring Division of the Meteorological Department reported that since March 28, there have been over 218 aftershocks recorded, with 21 earthquakes occurring within Thailand and 22 in neighboring regions between March 30 and 31. Notably, an earthquake measuring 2.9 occurred at 01:01 AM on March 31, with its epicenter in the Pa Bong subdistrict of Mae Hong Son Province.

Despite the tremors felt across various locations, including Bangkok, the Meteorological Department reassured citizens that the aftershocks from the Myanmar earthquake were minor and posed no threat to Thailand. Additionally, a significant earthquake measuring 7.0 struck near Tonga on March 30, prompting a tsunami warning which was later lifted without reports of damage.

As the nation continues to recover from these seismic events, the government and relevant agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The public is urged to stay informed and prepared as the situation develops.