Strong Earthquakes Hit Thailand and Myanmar, Bangkok Building Collapses

On Friday, March 28, strong earthquakes struck parts of Myanmar and Thailand, leading to significant destruction across both countries. The initial 7.7 magnitude quake, followed by a 6.4 aftershock, caused buildings to sway in Bangkok and left many fearing for their safety.

The epicenter was located in central Myanmar, roughly 30 miles east of Monywa, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The tremors were widely felt across Thailand, prompting building evacuations, transport disruptions, and emergency alerts.

High-Rise Collapse Near Chatuchak Market

One of the most dramatic outcomes of the quake was the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok, located near the bustling Chatuchak Market. Authorities confirmed that 43 workers were trapped, with rescue operations underway.

Eyewitness footage captured the building falling in real time, triggering a cloud of dust and sending onlookers running. Debris scattered across the site, and the collapse prompted a swift declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Residents Evacuate as Buildings Shake

As the ground shook around 1:30 p.m. local time, alarms sounded across high-rise buildings, forcing thousands to evacuate offices, hotels, and condominiums. Reports described rooftop swimming pools spilling water, and fragments of buildings falling onto sidewalks.

Tourist Fraser Morton, shopping in a downtown mall at the time, described the scene:

“People were screaming and running. You could feel the entire structure moving beneath your feet.”

Many fled to open spaces such as Benjasiri Park, away from tall buildings, where they waited for updates and aftershocks to pass.

Widespread Damage Reported in Myanmar

In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and closer to the origin of the earthquakes, multiple buildings sustained serious damage. An earthquake damaged cultural landmarks, including part of the former royal palace. Photos on social media showed cracked walls and toppled structures.

Further south in the Sagaing region, the quake collapsed a 90-year-old bridge and damaged sections of the Mandalay-Yangon highway. In Naypyitaw, it visibly affected religious monuments and homes. Roads buckled, and traffic gridlock blocked access to emergency services, including the city’s largest hospital, which quickly became a mass casualty zone.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Risk

Officials in both Thailand and Myanmar are coordinating emergency responses. The Department of Disaster Prevention in Thailand reported that the tremors were felt in almost every province. Teams are now inspecting buildings, highways, and public infrastructure for safety.

Meanwhile, India has extended an offer of aid, and international observers are monitoring the situation. With aftershocks likely, authorities have asked the public to stay outdoors and away from unstable buildings.

More…

• https://www.overhereny.com/earthquakes-shake-thailand-and-myanmar-bangkok-high-rise-collapses
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/earthquake-bangkok-thailand-myanmar-strong
• https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/myanmar-thailand-earthquake-03-28-25-intl-hnk/index.html 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/category/news