IDF completes humanitarian effort in Thailand following deadly earthquake

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that its humanitarian mission to Thailand has concluded following a catastrophic earthquake that struck the region last month.

A joint team of experts from the IDF, Defense Ministry, and Home Front Command's national rescue unit, coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has returned home after completing their assistance operations in Thailand's earthquake-affected areas.

The Israeli delegation, comprised of population officers, engineers, doctors, and rescue professionals, provided critical support to Thai authorities in developing situational assessments and sharing advanced technological expertise. The team deployed cutting-edge equipment in devastated areas to assist in locating survivors trapped under rubble.

"The team utilized advanced technological means and worked in the destruction zone to assist in finding trapped individuals," the IDF stated in its announcement.

The earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck on March 28, causing widespread destruction across Myanmar and Thailand. A powerful 6.4 magnitude aftershock compounded the damage, destroying buildings, a bridge, and a dam throughout the region.

The human toll continues to rise more than a week after the disaster. According to Myanmar state media MRTV, the death toll in Myanmar has reached 3,649, with an additional 5,018 people injured and 145 still missing as of Wednesday, per Xinhua News.

In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake caused significant casualties, particularly in Bangkok. According to The Bangkok Post, 22 people have died in Thailand, with 72 still reported missing. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration previously reported at least 23 fatalities in the capital city alone, with 15 deaths resulting from the collapse of a high-rise building that was under construction when the earthquake struck.

The disaster has created ongoing challenges for both countries as search and rescue operations continue amid the widespread destruction. Despite the catastrophe, Myanmar's electoral authorities have reaffirmed plans to hold national elections either late this year or early in 2026.

Israel's deployment of humanitarian assistance follows its long tradition of providing emergency aid to disaster-stricken regions worldwide. The specialized expertise of the Home Front Command's rescue units has been deployed in numerous international disasters, where Israeli teams have earned recognition for their professional capabilities and rapid response.

"The team, consisting of population and engineering officers from the Home Front Command's national rescue unit, assisted Thai officials in building a situational picture and transferring technological knowledge," the military said in its statement detailing the mission's activities.

The conclusion of this mission marks another chapter in Israel's ongoing commitment to international humanitarian assistance, particularly in response to natural disasters.