A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of devastation. More than 140 lives have been lost, with over 700 people injured. The quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, affected neighboring Thailand as well. In Bangkok, a 30-story under-construction building collapsed, claiming the lives of eight people and leaving over 100 feared trapped underneath its debris.
Thailand's PM in Action Mode
In a bid to deliver swift relief to the people of Thailand affected by the quake, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra moved into action mode, as captured in photos showing her in emergency meetings with top government officials. Another image depicts her speaking on two mobile phones simultaneously, issuing critical instructions. At 38, Shinawatra is determined to steer the nation through this crisis efficiently.
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PM Shinawatra made an on-site visit to the collapsed construction building in Bangkok, where she closely examined the ongoing rescue operations. She also visited the earthquake command center at Bangkok City Hall, where she provided essential directives to officials. Additionally, she convened a high-level meeting with ministers and agency delegates in the capital.
Source: aajtak
Urgent Meeting with Officials
The Thai Prime Minister has requested a comprehensive report on the earthquake damage to expedite relief efforts. Data collection is ongoing for missing and injured people, alongside those who have tragically lost their lives. Returning to Bangkok from Phuket, PM Shinawatra assured the number of areas affected by the quake is limited with little risk of major damage, and no threat of a tsunami follows.
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She declared that residents could now safely return to their homes, although Bangkok's governor extended the closure of public parks. Arrangements for water and food supplies are underway to aid the public in need. Safety checks are being conducted on rail and bus services, with operations expected to resume smoothly by Friday.
Source: aajtak
Thailand's Youngest PM
It is noteworthy that Shinawatra is the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She is the third leader from the Shinawatra family to lead Thailand, following her father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, is Thailand's youngest Prime Minister. After receiving royal approval in August 2024, she was elected by Parliament as Prime Minister following the removal of Srettha Thavisin from office by the Supreme Court, making her the second female Prime Minister in Thailand after her aunt Yingluck.
