Bangkok: Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior, convened a strategic meeting with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to prepare the USAR Thailand team for involvement in international search and rescue operations following the recent earthquake in Venezuela.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jetseth chaired the meeting to assess the situation in Venezuela, alongside Mr. Chairat Kaewpiangpen, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, as well as other executives, experts, and staff. The earthquake, which struck on June 24, 2026, at 6:04 PM Venezuela time, measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and was followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake. The epicenter was approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas, resulting in significant destruction and potential casualties.

Mr. Jetseth emphasized the importance of a round-the-clock monitoring team to observe the situation and prepare a core team of 46 urban search and rescue personnel from USAR Thailand. This team will include three K9 dogs and necessary equipment to aid in international relief efforts. The USAR team is an integrated unit comprising members from various government and private sectors, ready to deploy immediately upon request.

The team includes personnel from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Medical Services, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Foundation for Environmental and Social Development, and NPC Safety and Environmental Services Co., Ltd. With certification from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Committee (INSARAG External Classification: IEC), USAR Thailand is recognized for its capability to conduct humanitarian assistance both domestically and internationally.