Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar – H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, along with Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and ASEAN Chair, visited Myanmar to express ASEAN solidarity and support humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the region. This joint mission aimed to assess the urgent humanitarian needs and coordinate efforts to deliver assistance to the affected Myanmar population.
This visit came in the wake of the Special Emergency Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers held on March 30, 2025, to discuss the aftermath of the earthquake in both Myanmar and Thailand. The visit underscored the commitment of ASEAN nations to collaborate and support Myanmar during this critical period.
Key Highlights of the Visit
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ASEAN Cooperation and Humanitarian Efforts: Both the Thai and Malaysian delegations were composed of senior officials from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, and the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The delegations paid a courtesy call on Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of Myanmar, and engaged in productive discussions with U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.
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Collaboration with ASEAN and UN Agencies: Discussions focused on mobilizing resources and deploying humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), along with United Nations agencies. Key priorities for Myanmar included providing mobile medical teams, temporary shelters, sanitation facilities, water purifiers, and essential medical supplies to prevent disease outbreaks.
Thai and Malaysian Efforts
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On-the-Ground Support – During the visit, Minister Sangiampongsa visited a Thai medical team operating a mobile medical clinic at Basic Education High School Mingon. The clinic provided vital healthcare services to the local population affected by the earthquake.
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Relief Item Handover – Minister Sangiampongsa also oversaw the handover of essential relief items, including medical supplies, from the Thai Red Cross Society and the Thai private sector to the Myanmar Red Cross Society for further distribution to the affected communities.
Thailand and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating closely with Myanmar in the recovery phase, ensuring that international assistance is effectively mobilized and managed. The AHA Centre will serve as the central coordinator to streamline these efforts.
The joint visit exemplified ASEAN’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid, solidarity, and cooperation in the face of regional disasters. Both Thailand and Malaysia continue to stand with Myanmar as they work together to support the recovery and resilience of those impacted by the earthquake.