Mr. DIY supports emergency responders of earthquake

Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which devastated Myanmar and caused extensive damage in neighbouring Thailand, the Thai unit of Malaysian home improvement retail chain Mr. DIY supported rescue operations in Chatuchak district in the Thai capital of Bangkok.

The district became a symbol of the destruction caused by the 28 March 2025 tremblor after a building that was under construction collapsed from the impact of the earthquake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar - around 1,300 km away from the Thai capital. As of 8 April, reports stated that 21 dead individuals, mostly construction workers, were recovered in the area, with nine injured and 73 others still missing. A probe into the collapse of the building, which was set to be the State Audit Office, started on 9 April.

In a statement, Mr. DIY Thailand disclosed that it donated essential supplies, including extension sockets, red lacquer spray paint, garbage bags, silicone gloves, bottled water, and survival kits to support relief and rescue missions in the area. “In total, over 600 items were provided to aid emergency responders in their mission to assist those in need and to offer support to the victims’ families,” Mr. DIY Thailand stated.

It also thanked the rescue teams, K9 units, and volunteers for their efforts for victims of the tremor, and expressed concern over those who were affected.

The death toll from the quake has risen to 3,645 as of 8 April, with the injured count hitting 5,017. A total of 148 people remained missing, according to reports. Countries have been sending humanitarian aid for Myanmar, including medical personnel and material aid from Japan, Malaysia and Belarus.

Mr. DIY, which has gotten approval to conduct an initial public offering in Thailand and has plans of opening 200 stores in the country this year, was the first among the home improvement retail chains in Thailand to publicize its efforts to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Home improvement retailers in the country had a difficult year in 2024 as spending across the board tightened on high household debt, a flagging economy, and a delayed budget. But as Thailand rebuilds from the disaster, analysts believe that support would come for these companies as demand for construction materials rises and the government unveils a comprehensive financial assistance package for property repairs. The assistance includes increased credit limits, extended repayment terms, and interest rate reductions for loans taken out for repairs of homes and business establishments. Owners of homes and condominium units who were impacted by the earthquake are also allowed to reimburse up to 49,500 Thai baht (EUR 1,287.26) in property repairs, news reports disclosed.