BANGKOK – On Friday, March 28, 2025, a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake originating in neighboring Myanmar struck midday, causing severe tremors across Thailand and leading to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok.
The dramatic collapse near the city’s well-known Chatuchak Market was captured on video and shared widely on social media, showing the structure crumbling amidst screams from onlookers. Police confirmed they were responding to the incident but had no immediate details regarding potential casualties among the construction workers.
The initial powerful quake, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock. This prompted widespread evacuations across Bangkok, with alarms sounding in numerous buildings. Startled residents in the densely populated central area emptied out of high-rise condominiums and hotels, gathering in the streets. Authorities cautioned evacuees to remain outside due to the potential for further aftershocks.
Geological agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ, reported the earthquake’s epicenter was in central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
In Bangkok, home to over 17 million people, many residing in tall apartment buildings, the earthquake’s force was evident. Water was seen sloshing over the edges of rooftop pools on high-rises, and debris fell from some structures.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called for an emergency meeting to assess the earthquake’s impact. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention stated that the tremors were felt across nearly all regions of the country.
Initial reports from Myanmar indicated damage to religious shrines and some homes in the capital, Naypyitaw. However, obtaining comprehensive damage assessments from Myanmar is challenging due to the ongoing civil conflict within the country.
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