No Pinoys hurt in Thailand quake

THE Philippine Embassy in Bangkok belied reports that 10 Filipinos died in the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that rocked Thailand on Friday.

In its latest advisory on Saturday, the Embassy called it “false information” and said it has yet to receive any report of Filipinos harmed in the disaster.

“As of this time, the Embassy has not received any report of Filipino nationals who were harmed by this unfortunate disaster,” it said.

“The Embassy continues to monitor the situation for any Filipino nationals who may be affected and may need immediate assistance due to the earthquake,” it added.

Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Paredes, in a radio interview on Saturday, said no Filipinos have requested embassy assistance so far.

“In the 17 million population of Thailand, majority reside in high-rise buildings. Fortunately, we have yet to receive information that they (Filipinos) are affected,” she said in Filipino.

Bangkok had been declared an emergency zone after the magnitude 8.2 earthquake that struck Myanmar affected the Thai capital.

The embassy advised Filipino nationals in Thailand to monitor updates from credible and verifiable sources of information, and avoid spreading “fake and unverified news.”

For emergencies, the embassy may be reached through the Assistance-to-Nationals hotline +66 81 989 7116 or e-mail at [email protected]. (PNA)