On the first anniversary of the earthquake, Japan reaffirmed Thailand as a trusted partner and pledged to continue supporting capacity building in disaster prevention and mitigation to jointly create a strong and sustainable society.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, Masato Otaka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, issued a statement emphasizing Thailand's enduring role as a good partner. He noted that this earthquake underscored the reality that earthquakes can cause severe disasters even in Thailand, a country with low risk, particularly in Bangkok, the capital. He expressed his deepest condolences once again to those affected and paid highest respect to all parties dedicated to recovery and restoration efforts.
Over the past year, the Thai government and relevant agencies have continuously carried out recovery and restoration of affected areas while strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation systems in a tangible way. This includes raising building safety standards, enhancing disaster response capacities, and promoting public awareness on disaster prevention across many dimensions, especially in the rapidly expanding Bangkok metropolitan area. This event became a pivotal moment fostering awareness of the necessity to strengthen infrastructure security and to systematically improve disaster response measures.
Japan, a country frequently facing earthquakes, has accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in disaster management, such as setting earthquake-resistant building standards, improving structural durability, early warning systems, disaster education, and empowering local communities. These efforts focus on comprehensive “preparedness,” not only through systemic or technological measures but also by building societies capable of strongly confronting and overcoming disasters.
Following the earthquake, Japan promptly supported Thailand by coordinating with relevant agencies upon the Thai government's request. This included dispatching structural and civil engineering experts to advise on building safety assessments and certifications, and conducting training programs and workshops on disaster prevention and risk reduction through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance the capacities of Thai agencies involved.
Moreover, after the major floods in southern Thailand in November 2025, Japan provided humanitarian aid by delivering emergency relief supplies. It continues medium- and long-term cooperation to support recovery and to strengthen disaster prevention capacities through close coordination among relevant agencies. Such collaboration underscores the importance of seamless efforts from disaster response to restoration and future risk reduction.
Regarding expert cooperation in disaster prevention and earthquake fields, both countries have shared knowledge and exchanged personnel. These recent earthquake and flood events have reinforced the importance of strengthening this cooperation. Enhancing specialized collaboration forms a crucial foundation to support the development of scientific knowledge and its practical application, aiming to assist future disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
This cooperation is not temporary but is based on long-standing trust built between the two countries. Past collaborations in infrastructure development, urban development, and human resource development have been key factors enabling swift and efficient coordination during disasters.
Furthermore, disaster prevention is not limited to disaster response but is closely linked to sustainable economic development. Business continuity is directly related to the stability of the investment environment. Therefore, to maintain and enhance Thailand’s role as a key ASEAN economic hub, implementing disaster prevention and risk reduction measures is essential.
The first anniversary of this disaster is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also a vital opportunity to review and reaffirm preparedness for the future. Although natural disasters cannot be entirely prevented, we can minimize damage through unified efforts involving government, private sector, local communities, and the international community.
Japan is committed to standing alongside Thailand as a trusted partner to jointly build a resilient and strong society. It sincerely hopes that lessons from this event will become a significant step toward a safer and more sustainable society in the future.
28 Mar 2026 GMT+7
Masato Otaka
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Embassy of Japan in Thailand