Motorists drive next to a large crack on the road caused by the earthquake on a highway in Chiang Rai province
CHIANG RAI – Thailand’s Army Chief Prayut Chan-ocha today ordered the Third Army Region commander to inspect scenes in the northern province of Chiang Rai following earthquake there last night.
![Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha]()
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha
Third Army Region commander Lt Gen Preecha Chan-ocha ordered rescue and medical units, and other officials, to visit damaged Phan, Mae Lao, Mae Suai districts as well as provincial seat areas immediately for initial damage estmates for further assistance.
Meanwhile, Sonthaya Khunploem, caretaker Culture Minister, said he had ordered the Fine Arts Department director-general to inspect damage at historic sites affected by the seismic action.
He said the department will conclude its own report, for damages reported so far have been from outside sources. Mr Sonthaya said the ministry must consider if it has sufficient budget for restoration. Otherwise, a proposal will be presented to a Cabinet meeting for approval.
On a related matter, Panya Vechbanyongratana, DTAC’s Network Operations Division senior vice president said the company’s mobile customers were unaffected by the earthquakes and could use their phones normally both for voice calls and data transfer.
He said the company has an emergency procedure for mobile stations to receive signals in all regions as well as mobile generators and other related equipment to ensure that its customers to gain maximum service, particularly during possible aftershocks that can happen after an earthquake.