Phnom Penh: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, has sent separate messages to His Majesty the King of Thailand and the Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar, expressing his deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the loss of lives and injuries to many people during a powerful earthquake that struck the two countries.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian monarch conveyed his heartfelt thoughts to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand, stating, ‘Our thoughts are with Your Majesty and the nation of Thailand at this time, and pray for strength, resilience and a swift recovery.’

In his royal message to H.E. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar, the King of Cambodia expressed, ‘We share in the grief and join in the prayers of the citizens of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. May the victims rest in peace. We also wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded persons. The courageous rescue efforts in the affected areas are laudable.’

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, Thailand, and central Myanmar on Mar. 28 afternoon, resulting in many casualties and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.