April 3, 2025 — The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) extend its sincere condolences and heartfelt solidarity to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand in the wake of the tragic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025.
The earthquake has caused widespread devastation across Myanmar and Thailand, including Bangladesh, India, Laos, and China, which have also been impacted by its tremendous magnitude. In numbers, it is estimated that over 3 million people have been impacted, and extensive damage has occurred, with infrastructure destroyed, roads blocked, and debris obstructing humanitarian access in both Myanmar and Thailand. Essential services such as medical care, water, and energy supplies have been disrupted in the large areas of Myanmar. There are also increasing risks of cholera outbreaks and other health threats due to contaminated water and inaccessibility to medical care, according to the report of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW).
In response to this crisis, Myanmar’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in Mandalay, Sagaing, Magwe, Northeastern Shan, Bago, and Naypyidaw regions after the quake. This called for international assistance through the United Nations Resident Coordinator and all the embassies in Myanmar. Thailand has also declared a state of emergency in Bangkok following the initial shocks.
Myanmar and Thailand have been founding members of CPSC since its establishment in 1973, with several shared partnerships and accomplishments in advancing human resources development in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the Asia Pacific region. It is profoundly heartbreaking to see our cherished partner countries face such a devastating disaster.
With the immense challenges faced by both nations, our thoughts are with all the victims, rescuers, and survivors of this tragedy. We solemnly hope for a swift recovery, strength, and safety for Myanmar, Thailand, and all the affected countries.
CPSC and APACC stand united with the governments, organizations, and local communities working tirelessly on rescue operations, medical aid, and providing support for displaced individuals, families and communities in both CPSC member countries and their neighboring countries. We also acknowledge and deeply respect the resilience of the people of Myanmar and Thailand in the face of this regional emergency.
In these difficult times, we encourage all the members of the CPSC and APACC family to join in collective support and be actively involved in any way possible, and commit to offering earnest assistance in the aftermath of this disaster.
