BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Public Health has fully activated its emergency response following the powerful earthquake on March 28. Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin chaired a high-level meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) the same day to coordinate urgent public health measures, focusing on hospital preparedness, emergency care, and mental health services. The response is being carried out in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and national emergency medical teams under the National Emergency Response Plan.
Preliminary assessments show that 63 hospitals across 17 provinces sustained minor structural damage, such as cracked walls. Despite these issues, all facilities remain operational. In Greater Bangkok, hospitals have been placed on standby for potential patient transfers and mass casualty support. Rajavithi Hospital, Lerdsin Hospital, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, and various specialist institutions have been assigned to coordinate with BMA agencies. The Erawan Center has also established a temporary command post at Phramongkutklao Hospital for crisis management.
The Emergency Health Public Office, based at the ministry’s headquarters in Nonthaburi province, is operating around the clock to manage health-related coordination nationwide. To address the psychological toll of the disaster, Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams have also been deployed from four Bangkok-based institutions. A total of 302 trained professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers, are now supporting affected communities with trauma care and counseling services.
Support personnel have been mobilized from the Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, Srithanya Hospital, Galya Rajanagarindra Institute, and Mental Health Center Region 13. Individuals in distress can also reach out to the Ministry’s Mental Health Hotline at 1323, which is available 24 hours a day and staffed by qualified mental health professionals.
Officials confirm that the public health system remains stable, with all hospitals continuing to operate safely. Safety inspections and mental health support are ongoing as authorities prepare for potential aftershocks and continue monitoring the evolving situation. (NNT)
