Bangkok: "Phumtham" reiterated that the army is ready to bring Thai people in Myanmar back home. "Phumtham" revealed that he has sent life-signal detectors to search for victims of the collapsed building. He also sent 2,000 volunteer engineers to inspect the condition of the building to increase confidence among the people. He emphasized that the army is ready to transport Thais in Myanmar back home.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, gave an interview about the mission of sending personnel to provide assistance after the earthquake in Myanmar. He said that it is for humanity and humanitarianism to help take care of our neighbors. Therefore, this time, we are taking care of both domestically and internationally. The situation in Myanmar is still confusing because the situation in Myanmar is much more severe than Thailand. In the areas of Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Yangon, we are currently collecting information. If this team goes to work, we will coordinate with the Thai Embassy in Myanmar and will report back to Thailand periodically. We have not yet received any reports of Thais being injured or killed from the earthquake in Myanmar.
Regarding the situation of helping the Office of the Auditor General collapsed building, Mr. Phumtham said that yesterday he received a report and the Prime Minister has followed up and assigned all the missions, which have been carried out and it is expected that there will not be many problems. But the important thing is that he wants the public to be confident. At this time, from the inspection, it is considered safe, except for some places and some points, which have been strictly enforced, such as some condos that have cracks and are found to be unstable, so they will not be allowed to enter the area. As for public transportation, it has been inspected, but the other 2 electric train lines are under inspection. It is expected that today or tomorrow it will be complete and open for service, but there are no other problems.
While the Silom area, which has Chulalongkorn Hospital and various high-rise office buildings, including hotels and high-rise buildings under construction, has not been affected in any way, there has been an order to bring down construction cranes first, which is thought to solve various problems.
Mr. Phumtham said that today, approximately 2,000 volunteer engineers have been sent to inspect each area again. Therefore, the main mission in the country is to help save the lives of those in the collapsed building areas because normally, they can survive for 72 hours. Therefore, we must hurry. Last night, we sent a unit to check vital signs using tools that can penetrate the concrete into the area. We will proceed with this matter to the fullest extent. Then, we will lift the large concrete slabs to clear the tunnels and allow air to breathe to help the victims as quickly as possible. He emphasized that this matter is important. There are no other problems. Everything is fully supported. The army has all departments to support and there are rotations of personnel and preparation of additional personnel. In addition, the whole country has ordered the army in every area to be ready to support in every area and provide immediate care.
Other than Israel that is helping Thailand, are there any other countries that will help? Mr. Phumtham said that initially there was initial coordination, but now the Thai authorities are doing their best. However, some have been divided into Myanmar because it has been severely affected. He emphasized that there are flights to support Thais from Myanmar who will return at all times. If Thais want to return and are ready, they will be transported back to Thailand because Thailand has transported equipment, various aids, and additional personnel if requested. For this mission, special orders have been given that helping Thais return to their country is the main mission and personnel have been instructed.