Thailand considers increase of humanitarian aid to Myanmar

Thailand is considering expanding humanitarian assistance to Myanmar in the context that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Myanmar's border areas.
Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand is considering expanding humanitarian assistance to Myanmar in the context that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Myanmar's border areas.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura on April 19 said Thailand attaches great importance to providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar citizens affected by the conflict and can provide more support if necessary.

The Thai government will also consider solutions to increase humanitarian assistance by coordinating with international and civil organisations operating along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Thailand plans to invite these organisations to share their opinions next week, Nikorndej said, adding that the country continues to provide aid equally to all parties.

Previously, the Thai Government delivered 4,000 bags of relief goods at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No.2 in Tak province on March 25.

The relief bags donated by the Thai Red Cross contained rice, dry food, and other necessities, and were delivered to the Myanmar Red Cross for distribution in Myanmar's Kayin state. Aid was then given to about 20,000 people living in three different locations in Hpa-an and Kawkareik towns.

Nikorndej further noted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the formation of a committee to monitor the situation in Myanmar, which will hold its first meeting next week.

He said Thailand is ready to negotiate with all parties in Myanmar to find a solution to the ongoing conflict, and reaffirmed Thailand's support for dialogue to help resume peace, stability, and unity in this neighbouring country.

On April 17, ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing concern about the escalation of armed conflict in Myanmar. The statement showed concerns about the recent escalation of conflicts, including in the Myawaddy region, Kayin state, along the border area between Myanmar and Thailand and in Myanmar's Rakhine state, causing displacement of civilians. It called on all parties to immediately end the violence and exercise maximum restraint, as well as take all necessary measures to defuse tensions and ensure the safety of all civilians, including foreign citizens and those of ASEAN member countries./.
VNA

See more

US President Donald Trump signs reciprocal tariff executive orders at the White House on April 2, 2025 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

More than two-thirds of the respondents in the AmCham survey flag potential reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing US imports as the biggest concern for their business. (Photo: The Straits Times)

New US tariffs may hurt Singapore companies: survey

A flash survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Singapore showed that more than two-thirds of the 36 respondents polled flagged potential reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax US imports as the biggest concern for their business – compared to existing trade measures.

US President Donald Trump announces new reciprocal tariffs at the White House on April 2. (Photo: Reuters/VNA)

US tariffs putting pressure on both US and ASEAN

The most immediate impact of Trump’s tariffs will be inflation, both in the US and worldwide. As import costs rise, businesses will pass these costs onto consumers, driving up prices, said Professor Phar Kim Beng of ASEAN Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).

Two foreign tourists buy curry puffs at the popular Khun Phu shop in the Talat Noi community in Bangkok on Monday. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, former President of Laos and senior revolutionary of the LPRP. (Source: VNA)

Former Lao President Khamtay Siphanone passes away

General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, former President of Laos and senior revolutionary of the LPRP, passed away at 10:30am on April 2 at the age of 102.

Rescue teams search for victims after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 31, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Relief efforts face major challenges

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Sagaing region, making it extremely difficult to deliver aid to affected areas.

At the explosion site (Photo: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim)

Malaysia investigates gas pipeline explosion

The incident destroyed 78 houses and 10 shop lots, while also damaging 237 other houses and numerous vehicles. An estimated 364 people were affected, including 63 injured.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra listens to a briefing by a team of Israeli rescuers who are part of an international contingent working at the collapsed building site in Bangkok. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand works to restore global trust after Myanmar quake

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscored Thailand's commitment to restoring its image and ensuring public confidence, noting that a thorough investigation into the project's approval, design and construction materials is underway.

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse

The SAO building, valued at 2.1 billion THB (61.4 million USD), had been under construction for approximately five years and was nearing completion. It was the only building in Bangkok to collapse as a result of the powerful earthquake in Myanmar.

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.