President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has extended his condolences to Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the devastating earthquake in Southeast Asia, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and left many injured across the region, including in Thailand.
In his message, President Muizzu expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those affected by this tragedy. He also conveyed his sincere wishes for the swift recovery of those injured and displaced.
The President reaffirmed the solidarity of the Maldivian people with the people of Thailand in this time of crisis, expressing hope for an effective response to the disaster, as well as a smooth recovery and rebuilding process.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the 7.7-magnitude tremor which hit northwest of the city of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers, on Friday afternoon, was felt in northern Thailand, Bangkok, and China's Yunnan province.
Bangkok, which recorded significant damage in the earthquake, is home to many Maldivians and a popular destination for Maldivian travelers.
However, Maldivian Embassy in Thailand has stated it has not received any reports of a Maldivian citizen being injured in the earthquake.
Maldivian Foreign Ministry also said their inquiries so far indicate no Maldivian citizen was injured in the earthquake. The Ministry said they were undertaking efforts to inquire whether there are any Maldivian citizens currently in Myanmar.
The Ministry has instructed any Maldivian citizens in Thailand who require assistance in light of the earthquake to contact the Embassy or the Ministry’s hotline number. They have also instructed any Maldivians currently in Myanmar to contact the Ministry or the respective embassy.